It all starts with a Wheat Field and a Bakery. Just two simple cards, a pair of dice, and a few coins jingling in your hand. That is the magic of Machi Koro, a city-building game where dreams begin small and grow steadily with each turn. After spending so much time with Machi Koro 2, I felt the pull to return to the original. And what a lovely journey it was.

Each turn brings a new opportunity. You roll the dice, collect income from matching buildings, and use your earnings to expand your city. There is a quiet rhythm to it, a feeling of progress that grows card by card. You might add a Cheese Factory or perhaps a Cafe. Every decision adds a little more charm to your town.

The race is on to construct all four landmark buildings, and though the win condition is simple, the journey there is anything but dull. Every player is chasing the same goal, but your path might bloom through cozy Cafes or bustling Shopping Malls. It is a gentle tug-of-war between strategy and luck, and it keeps everyone leaning in, hoping for just the right roll.

What struck me most on this return visit was how welcoming the original game feels. It does not rush. It does not shout. It just smiles and hands you the tools to build your city, one card at a time. There is room for laughter, for groaning at unlucky dice, and for quiet celebration when your Train Station finally stands tall.

Even though Machi Koro 2 has added more layers and clever twists, there’s something timeless about this first version. It is warm and familiar, like visiting the town you grew up in and finding your favorite tree still standing. If you’re just starting out or looking for a soft re-entry into city-building games, this one holds up beautifully.

So whether you are placing your first Bakery or your final landmark, I invite you to roll those dice with joy. Let the coins clink, let your city bloom, and let your heart stay light as you build not just buildings, but memories too.

Curious to try it yourself? You can find Machi Koro here through our affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3z69Lay

Meadow’s real life Dad: https://gameshoutout.com/ronsalley