Introducing: Rival Cities
Background:
When the small fishing village of Altona began in the 16th century The big neighbour, the Hanseatic city of Hamburg, was not yet too worried. But soon Altona grew so rapidly that that a rivalry arose in which the two cities constantly sought to outdo each other, be it through the expansion of their trading fleets, through increased production of goods or through tactical litigation.
When Altona finally became part of Hamburg in 1937, the two cities had a long, closely intertwined history behind them, where their respective fates could often have turned out exactly the other way around.
The minds behind it:
Rival Cities continues our 2-player series and is the successor to Beer & Bread and Match of the Century.
The author is Andreas Steding, and as a historian, there is a great deal of love for historical detail in this game. Illustrator Annika Heller spent a lot of time researching the game at the Museum of Hamburg History in order to incorporate this love of detail into her drawings as far as possible. The project was edited by Viktor Kobilke and the result is an exciting city duel in which you compete against each other as the cities of Hamburg and Altona.
What makes the game special?
The highlight? The game can be over in an instant - in many different ways. It is highly confrontational and interactive, as you must not lose sight of your opponent. As soon as one city has the upper hand in a category, the game ends. Tactical action when drawing the inkwell, which acts as a playing piece for both participants, clever saving and use of resources and bonuses and the cozy setting (you sit together at a negotiating table) and lovingly designed game material make Rival Cities an often entertaining connoisseur game that can be played again and again.
The facts:
Author: Andreas Steding
Illustration: Annika Heller
Editor: Viktor Kobilke
2 people
from 10 years
30-45 minutes of playing time
Rival Cities will be released in March 2025!
