We’re in the 16th century: the small fishing village of Altona is founded near Hamburg and soon grows into a serious rival to the venerable Hanseatic city. But although Altona finally became part of Hamburg in the 20th century, the history of the rival cities could have taken a different course …

In the city duel Rival Cities, clever use of diversionary tactics is just as important as correctly reading your opponent’s intentions. Over a maximum of seven seasons, the cities take turns. The inkwell can be moved to any space to carry out the corresponding actions. Striking the right balance between cost and benefit is crucial, as longer journeys cost more goods. Actions such as production or trading goods fill your own warehouse, while a donation can earn you point-scoring star tokens. Whether they are actually worth anything, however, will only become clear if neither city achieves an immediate victory by building an unassailable lead in one of the four areas of achievement—prestige, trials, ships or alliances.