Welcome to the Bazaar!

Istanbul is the in March 2014 newly released strategy game for 2 to 5 players made by Pegasus. Author Rüdiger Dorn takes players into an oriental environment, specifically in the bazaar district of Istanbul. This bazaar consists of 16 locations, each with different options for action. The goal is clear: We need a total of 5 Rupees (with 2 players: 6 rubies) to get hold of. Who creates this first, wins.

The game plan is not rigid, but results from the laid out in a 4x4 grid 16 location cards. For entry a particular grid is recommended, you can see the places as well as combined in any way (almost), so that always arise new playing field.

Each player receives at the start of a merchant and 4 assistants (a 5th assistant can be purchased later by the purchase of the Blue Mosque-plate). With them, you move gradually (max 2 fields. Wide) over the bazaar. The assistants are needed for carrying out the actions. They have to be left first at each location and can then be collected at the central fountain or on a subsequent visit to be recalled to / from the merchant.

The rubies needed for victory is obtained either at gem dealers (against cash), the Sultan Palace (for goods), the acquisition of certain mosque platelets and by the full extension (all 3 stages) of own handtruck which to collect (and display) the the players belonging goods used. The first one, two rubies are retracted quickly, but with increasing playing time increase their costs or requirements and you have to rethink your strategy and re-adjust if necessary, for example if one of the last cheap buying opportunities has just snapped up by other players.

The game mechanics and action opportunities are familiar from games with similar themes. First collect the goods, sell them as profitably as possible on one of the markets, and then run with the so-earned money more actions or extend its sphere of activity. In addition there are a number of bonus cards (available in the caravanserai), bringing the number of reductions and simplification. Even gamblers get their money: Those who try luck on the black market or in the tea room be (cube), must forward to additional goods or money in case of success.

Admittedly, or you have to primarily find its own way for the fastest possible acquisition of rubies, but also interactive elements are not neglected. Who buys first, buys low. Whoever comes too late, for it is expensive (it). Of course, the players encounter on their way through the bazaar every now and then (to enter already occupied fields in addition costs money) and these encounters usually solve then further actions, especially if other family members, a smuggler (provides additional goods) or the governor (+ 1 bonus card) are involved.

All this may sound more complicated than it actually is. The entry is possible by the good game instructions, which explained in detail the functions of each place and all bonus cards without problems. At the latest after the first practice round, when every place has been visited once, you know what to look for. The indicated playing time of 40 to 60 minutes for experienced players quite realistic, but ultimately depends, as so often, especially by the decisiveness of the players from. For starters, you should plan rather a little more time.

Istanbul is an absolutely family-compatible game and especially for those who like to proceed deliberately and take pleasure in optimizing their moves to recommend. It can even occasionally forgive the occasional error, so that in our previous rounds rarely a player was able to pull critical and the game remained open and exciting time.

Are a positive note, in addition to the good quality and extensive game material, especially the surprisingly good playability for two (with only minimal modified rules) and the high replay value due to the variable or random grid and one at the end of the manual explains pro-rule variant (for 2 to 4 players) with neutral agents who still gives the game more tactical depth.

Conclusion -> earned 5 stars!