Unfortunately, it is sometimes pain and agony, so discouraging that there is no point in taking any further action. Of course, it all depends on the individual approach of the person and the language they want to learn, but usually it is not an easy matter. And to meet all future and current polyglots, the publishers come up with interesting solutions to diversify their attempts to communicate with foreigners. One of the methods is language games, and Edgard has just released an interesting proposal that may appeal to the most cranky individuals.
Play!
The authors of the title are Ewa Norman and Michał Szewczyk, and Kamila Kozłowska is responsible for the visual side. Let’s talk! The City Project is an alternative to rigid forms of acquiring knowledge, according to the principle: learning through play. The game is intended for kids from the age of ten, but I think that younger ones will also have a lot of fun playing board games.
What was hiding there?
In a fairly solid box, there are one hundred and six cards, including sixty-four questions (one hundred and twenty-eight dialogues in English), forty-two main and side quests. There were also tokens: thirty-one places, ten goals for all players, four secret goal and scoring tokens, as well as the same number of pawns. To keep everything running smoothly, the box also includes a manual with directions, a cardboard board, and a throwing die.
Let’s get started!
During the game, there is a chance to visit as many as sixty-four different locations, such as the zoo, cafe, post office, shop or library. While in them, you have to perform various tasks from the cards. The gameplay itself is not too complicated, and neither are its rules. First, everyone places their pawn in the middle, and then moves according to the directions. However, it cannot be that easy, the route must be planned in detail, as many facilities and additional points may be overlooked.
There are two levels of difficulty. The easier one is that after entering the selected location, the player takes the assigned sheet, reads the question from two available and three answers. In the more difficult variant, you first need to translate the question from Polish to English. After all actions are properly performed, the player places the tile in his color and the building becomes inaccessible to other participants. When you enter an additional task, you can get extrapoints (if you do the one that corresponds to this place or from the stack of a specific person). Then the next player takes the card, rolls the dice and reads the question associated with the number of pips.
Additionally, points can be earned keeping in mind secret and common goals. With the former, everyone draws a card and learns its content. One of the four categories (food, shopping, education, culture) is then discovered. The second option is the same for everyone and the most active person gets a distinction. However, you have to flex and this is an option for the persistent and skilled.
When you don’t even know you’re learning
The great advantage of the game is the ability to practice the language through play. Of course, it is best to play when the competences of the players are at a similar level, but you can also have a great time with different ones (thanks to the possibility of changing the rules and adapting them to your own requirements). It is good to have a chance to create your own determinants of fun without crashing into the imposed rigid frames. In fact, you can skip scoring if you just want to enjoy the game or impose negative values on bloopers. It all depends on the participants.
So many possibilities!
When we got down to the game, we tried all the variants and I must admit that the full version, i.e. with common and secret tasks, suited us the most. I think the part of the character responsible for the competition spoke up, and this variant fits best then. A great facilitation is the fact that there are answers or hints that allow you not to get lost in the labyrinthine labyrinths and not to forcefully dodge, just to continue the game. Thanks to this procedure, beginners can also sit at the table and they probably will not feel lost. In my opinion, the level of questions is varied, so more advanced players will not be bored.
I must admit that the visual side of the game is very attractive. The colorful buildings and elaborate paths are eye-catching, and this will appeal to both parents and (especially) children – they will gladly sit down for entertainment that draws their attention. I think that six- or seven-year-olds will be happy to learn new words, parents can freely plan the game also with younger children.
What happened here?
However, it cannot be just rosy, because I have several objections to the implementation of the game itself. Quest cards are made of quite thin cardboard, which can affect their life, especially when playing with children, who often do not pay attention to folds or tears. The parent is careful, but the younger audience is not so much. In addition, the scoring tokens are small. When I pulled them out, I was shocked. They are easy to lose or they can also end up in the baby’s mouth. The rest of the pieces are fine, though the pawns could be more attractive. These may not be big disadvantages, but they still affect the reception, especially the point markers.
And at the end…
The price of the game varies from forty to fifty zlotys, depending on the location. It’s not much for the amount of content we get, however there will be some better done titles (and the price is similar). The graphics and tasks are well-developed, and the latter are interestingly varied. The advantages are more than the disadvantages, so I can confidently recommend the purchase if you can turn a blind eye to a few shortcomings. I remembered a few phrases myself, improved my pronunciation, and at the same time had a great time. Ultimately, that’s what it’s all about. It is more a home version due to its dimensions, which does not change the fact that if you are looking for a light title that will allow you to develop and train English at the same time, then Let’s talk! City project .
