Toshi: Die blühende Stadt^*

Toshi: Die blühende Stadt is a tile-laying game by Friedemann Friese for 1 to 4 players aged 8+. Everyone builds a Japanese town at the same time.

What is it about?

The game takes you to Japan in the Sengoku period. Each player plans their own town, tile by tile. With every turn new buildings appear and your cityscape takes shape. A game lasts about 40 minutes.

A round

1. One player rolls the die for everyone.
2. That player picks a building first. This building is then blocked for everyone else.
3. The die decides where the next tile goes.
4. If that space is already taken, an effect is triggered.

These effects can raise or lower your income, or give you other benefits.

What makes it special

• Everyone plays at once, so there is little waiting.
• The die adds luck, your combinations add planning.
• The roller chooses first, but takes a building away from the others.
• It also works as a solo game.

The trick is turning your tiles into an engine that produces more and more money.

Who is it for?

Families and casual players who enjoy some planning but do not want long rules. It is published by ArsEdition and currently available in German only.

Conclusion

Toshi blends dice luck with clever combos and keeps everyone building at the same time. If you like planning your own little city and enjoy engine building, take a look. If dice randomness drives you mad, it may not be for you.