What on Earth Is Welcome To... and Why Should You Play It?

Gather your friends, sharpen your pencils (yes, actual pencils!), and prepare for a delightful journey into suburban real estate with the captivating board game “Welcome To…”. This charmingly simple yet strategically deep game will have you competing to create the most desirable neighborhoods while navigating quirky housing requests and unexpected neighborhood developments. Don’t be fooled by its minimalist aesthetic; beneath the surface lies a surprisingly engaging puzzle begging to be solved.
Building Dreams (and Score Sheets!) Brick by Brick
“Welcome To…” ditches the traditional game board for individual score sheets, transforming each player into an architect crafting their ideal suburban community. Your goal? Fill your sheet with numbered houses, parks, and pools, strategically arranging them to maximize points based on specific scoring criteria revealed throughout the game.
Each round begins with a “Public Project” card drawn from a deck. These cards present a set of rules that everyone must follow when building their neighborhoods. Imagine challenges like “Every row of houses must have an even number” or “Double your score for any house adjacent to a park.” The Public Projects introduce delightful chaos, forcing you to adapt your strategies on the fly and potentially undo previously laid plans.
After revealing the Public Project, each player draws three dice – representing different building types:
- Blue Dice: Houses
- Yellow Dice: Parks
- Red Dice: Swimming Pools
Using these dice rolls, players strategically mark their score sheets, adding houses, parks, and pools to their growing neighborhoods. But there’s a twist! Each die roll can only be used once per round, forcing you to weigh your options carefully and prioritize your building decisions based on the current Public Project and your long-term scoring goals.
Navigating Neighborhood Quirks with Strategic Flair
Beyond the dice rolls and Public Projects, “Welcome To…” introduces a series of intriguing neighborhood quirks through event cards:
- “The Gardener”: This card allows you to choose any empty space on your sheet and fill it with trees (worth bonus points).
- “Dog Park Enthusiasts”: Earn additional points for every park adjacent to three or more houses.
- “Luxury Swimming Pool”: Upgrade an existing pool for a hefty point bonus.
These event cards inject unexpected opportunities into the game, allowing you to capitalize on strategic decisions and potentially swing the score in your favor.
Table 1: Scoring Categories in “Welcome To…”
Category | Description |
---|---|
House Rows | Points awarded based on house count per row (varies by length). |
Parks | Bonuses for adjacent houses and specific park configurations. |
Swimming Pools | Point values increase with the number of pools in a neighborhood. |
Public Project Completion | Earn bonus points for fulfilling Public Project requirements. |
Special Event Cards | Various point bonuses depending on the card’s effects. |
The beauty of “Welcome To…” lies not only in its simple mechanics but also in the endless strategic possibilities it presents. Do you prioritize building long rows of houses, capitalize on parks and pools for bonus points, or chase specific Public Project objectives? Every decision matters, and adapting to the ever-changing landscape keeps players engaged from start to finish.
A Delightful Blend of Luck and Strategy
While dice rolls introduce an element of randomness, “Welcome To…” rewards thoughtful planning and adaptation. Analyzing previous rounds, predicting potential dice outcomes, and strategically leveraging event cards are crucial for maximizing your score. The game encourages constant evaluation and re-evaluation of your building strategy, making each round a thrilling puzzle to unravel.
Beyond the strategic depth, “Welcome To…” offers a refreshingly accessible experience. Its short playtime (around 30 minutes), straightforward rules, and charming theme make it an ideal choice for both seasoned gamers and newcomers looking for a lighthearted yet engaging social experience.
Final Verdict: A Welcoming Gateway to Strategic Fun
“Welcome To…” delivers a delightful blend of luck and strategy wrapped in a beautifully minimalistic package. Its simplicity belies its depth, offering endless replayability and strategic challenges that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re seeking a quick and engaging game night option or looking to introduce new players to the world of tabletop gaming, “Welcome To…” is an exceptional choice guaranteed to leave everyone with smiles on their faces (and maybe a few meticulously crafted neighborhoods).