Lisboa @ The Missing Piece

Lisboa, set in the aftermath of the devastating 1755 Lisbon earthquake, tsunami, and fires, is a masterwork of Eurogame design by Vital Lacerda. In Lisboa, players assume the roles of influential nobles tasked with rebuilding the city, navigating political, economic, and architectural challenges.

Lacerda, a Lisbon native, drew inspiration from his city's history, infusing the game with authentic details and thematic depth. He emphasized the importance of patience and multiple playthroughs to fully appreciate the game's intricacies.

Learning Resources
Please be familiar with the game. Use the resources below as a refresher:

• Lisboa | BoardGameGeek
• Gaming Rules! - Lisboa Full Rules Video
• Lisboa - Playthrough and Review
• Lisboa 4p Play-through, Teaching, & Roundtable discussion by Heavy Cardboard

If you're new to Lisboa and want to play, email me (joseph.boland@outlook.com). I'd be happy to arrange a teach and partial playthrough.

Overview

• Historical Setting: Reconstruct Lisbon after a series of catastrophic events, working alongside historical figures like the Marquis of Pombal and the King.
• Mechanics: Utilize a multi-use card system to perform actions such as constructing buildings, managing the economy, and influencing political figures.
• Strategic Depth: Balance various resources and actions to gain prestige, represented by wigs—the ultimate symbol of status in 18th-century Portugal.
• Art and Design: Featuring artwork by Ian O'Toole, the game boasts a visually stunning board inspired by Portuguese azulejos (ceramic tiles)

Often praised as Vital Lacerda's finest game and a masterpiece (Ranking Vital Lacerda Games, Monique & Naveen, Ranking the 8 big box Lacerda games), Lisboa has won numerous awards for strategy games and visual design. It offers a deeply rewarding experience that combines historical narrative with complex gameplay.