Istanbul

Istanbul is a delightful game that has quickly become a favorite in our family. The concept is simple: you're a merchant in the grand bazaar, trying to be the first to collect a certain number of rubies. To do this, you need to move your merchant and assistants around the board, performing actions at different locations.

What makes Istanbul so engaging is the strategic depth hidden beneath its accessible rules. It's easy to learn, but the decisions you make can have a significant impact on your success. The game encourages careful planning and resource management, as you must balance collecting goods, acquiring special abilities, and making the most of your assistants.

I particularly appreciate the variety that the game offers. The random setup of the board, combined with the expansions, ensures that each game feels different. We've played numerous times with different player counts, and the game scales well, remaining engaging for both smaller groups and larger ones.

I've seen some reviews mention concerns about the cardboard money, and while I agree it's not the sturdiest, it's not a major drawback in my opinion. The overall quality of the components is good, and the game's design is attractive and thematic.

Overall, I highly recommend Istanbul to anyone looking for a fun, strategic, and replayable board game. It's perfect for both experienced gamers and newcomers to the hobby. The expansions are a great addition, but even without them, the base game is an absolute joy to play.