Boardgames

Lisboa

Immerse yourself in the reconstruction of post-earthquake Lisbon in the 18th century. Use strategy, influence and cunning to gather wigs and win this historic board game.

120
minutes

1 - 4
player(s)

Heavy

About this board game

Lisboa is a fascinating board game that takes you on an immersive journey back in time to 1755, to the city of Lisbon, Portugal. This was a significant year for the city, as it was devastated by an earthquake, followed by a tsunami and then fires, which together destroyed much of the city. As players, you step into the shoes of influential nobles tasked with rebuilding the city and restoring its former glory.

The game’s theme involves city-building, planning and strategy, as you navigate the political and economic challenges of the 18th century. With a keen eye for detail, the game’s design beautifully captures the cultural and architectural elements of historic Lisbon. The game board is a stunning representation of the city’s downtown area, featuring iconic landmarks such as the Royal Palace and the famous Rua Augusta Arch.

The core mechanics are a blend of card drafting, tile placement, and resource management. Each player’s turn involves playing a card, which can result in a variety of actions such as building stores, creating public buildings, visiting nobles, or trading goods. These actions earn players influence points that are crucial to winning the game.

One of the unique aspects of Lisboa is the multi-layered strategic depth. While the overall goal is to earn the most ‘wigs’ (victory points), the path to achieve this is not straightforward. Players have to carefully plan their actions, ensure a steady flow of resources, and strategically interact with the royal court and city officials. This gives the game a high replayability value as each game session can unfold in a different way.

  • Theme: The game is set in 1755 Lisbon, Portugal. Players take on the roles of influential nobles, tasked with rebuilding the city after the devastating earthquake, tsunami, and fires.
  • Setting: The game board represents the downtown area of Lisbon, featuring iconic landmarks and architectural elements of the 18th century city.
  • Core Mechanics: The game involves card drafting, tile placement, and resource management. Players earn influence points by performing actions such as building stores, creating public buildings, visiting nobles, and trading goods.
  • Unique Aspects: The strategic depth and high replayability value make Lisboa stand out. Players have to carefully plan their actions, interact with the royal court and city officials, and ensure a steady flow of resources.

In conclusion, Lisboa offers a deep, engaging gaming experience that beautifully marries historical facts with complex strategies. Whether you’re a seasoned board game enthusiast or a beginner looking for a challenge, Lisboa promises a captivating journey into the past, filled with intrigue and plenty of strategic decisions.