Mercado de Lisboa

Mercado de Lisboa is a delightful little tile-placement game that surprised me with its depth and strategic possibilities. It’s a fast-paced game, perfect for a quick game night, yet it still manages to offer a lot of head-scratching decisions that keep you engaged.

The core mechanic of Mercado de Lisboa is simple: you buy stands in the market, open restaurants next to them, and bring in customers to earn money. But the elegance lies in the way these simple actions intertwine to create a compelling strategic puzzle. The initial game setup feels somewhat random, but as the game progresses, players' decisions and tile placements start to shape the market in a way that becomes increasingly clear. You start to see the potential for big scoring opportunities, and the game becomes a race to grab the best stands and customers.

I particularly enjoyed the way the game encourages planning and observation. While players' money is hidden, the tiles they have available to play are visible, allowing you to anticipate their moves and try to counter them. It’s a nice balance between direct competition and a touch of mind games.

The game itself is very approachable, with easy-to-learn rules and clear iconography. The playtime is also perfect, hitting the sweet spot around 30-40 minutes. The quick setup and straightforward rules make it ideal for a casual game session, but the strategic depth keeps you coming back for more.

Overall, Mercado de Lisboa is a wonderful game that exceeded my expectations. It's a perfect combination of fast-paced gameplay, strategic thinking, and a delightful theme. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a fun and engaging tile-placement game.