Machi Koro 2 quickly became one of my favorite games, so I decided to explore its roots by diving into the original Machi Koro. In this charming game, every player starts with a humble Wheat Field and a Bakery, the foundations upon which our bustling cities will rise. Armed with a pair of dice, a few starting coins, and ambitions as vast as the horizon, the goal is clear: build a city that outshines your opponents.

The gameplay is simple yet compelling. You roll the dice, earn income based on the buildings in your city that match the result, and reinvest that income to purchase new buildings, each with its unique way of enhancing your city’s economy. The first player to construct all four landmark buildings claims victory. But getting there is a blend of smart investments and a bit of luck as each dice roll can dramatically change the game.

To avoid disaster in Machi Koro, start by prioritizing the construction of the Shopping Mall and Radio Tower. At the start of the game, when money is scarce, buying Industry cards is an economical way to build your real estate portfolio. The Shopping Mall and Radio Tower offer substantial advantages. The Shopping Mall boosts your income, making your Industry and Resterants give a larger return. The Radio Tower gives you a critical edge by allowing you to reroll your dice. This helps you get the biggest return.

Reflecting on my experience with the original Machi Koro, I found it to be a delightful mix of strategy and unpredictability. The highs and lows are part of its charm—the cheers when your strategy pays off, the groans when fate turns against you. It’s a game that invites both newcomers and seasoned mayors to experience the joy of building a city, one roll at a time.

Focusing on these landmarks early in the game can set a strong foundation for success. By enhancing your income and giving yourself more control over the dice, you’ll be better positioned to navigate the unpredictable nature of Machi Koro and keep your city growing steadily.

At first, you’ll be tempted to purchase the Train Station, giving you the ability to roll two dice, but resist that urge! Prioritizing the Shopping Mall and Radio Tower instead allows you to maximize the outcomes of rolling a single die and control your luck. By following these simple suggestions, you might not guarantee a win every time, but you’ll certainly avoid sucking at the original Machi Koro. Enjoy the game and watch your city thrive, one strategic move at a time. At the very least….you won’t suck!

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