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Bruxelles 1893 box art

Bruxelles 1893

Game ID: GID0054341
Game Info
Year
2013
Collection
Ratings
Expansions & Family
Bruxelles 1897 Bruxelles 1893: Belle Époque
Mechanic profile
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Description

Bruxelles 1893 is a worker placement game with elements of bidding and majority control. Each player is an architect of the late 19th century and is trying to achieve, through various actions, an architectural work in the Art Nouveau style. The most successful building yields the most points. Each player can also create works of art to increase his score.

The action board is modular, with not every player having access to each action each turn. Some actions cost money – acquiring high-quality materials, building a level of your personal house, finding a patron, creating a work of art, selling that art for money and prestige – while other actions are free but can potentially cause you to lose one of your workers; these latter actions include acquiring low-quality materials, activating your patrons, visiting the stock exchange, and taking one of the actions with a cost. Once everyone has passed on taking more actions, the round ends and players have an art exhibition during which they can sell works. After this, players receive prestige points or bonus cards based on the symbols they've placed their workers next to on the action board.

After five rounds, the game ends and players score bonus points based on their architect level, their bonus cards, how well they've completed their work, and their money on hand. The player with the most points wins.

Description

Bruxelles 1893 is a worker placement game with elements of bidding and majority control. Each player is an architect of the late 19th century and is trying to achieve, through various actions, an architectural work in the Art Nouveau style. The most successful building yields the most points. Each player can also create works of art to increase his score.

The action board is modular, with not every player having access to each action each turn. Some actions cost money – acquiring high-quality materials, building a level of your personal house, finding a patron, creating a work of art, selling that art for money and prestige – while other actions are free but can potentially cause you to lose one of your workers; these latter actions include acquiring low-quality materials, activating your patrons, visiting the stock exchange, and taking one of the actions with a cost. Once everyone has passed on taking more actions, the round ends and players have an art exhibition during which they can sell works. After this, players receive prestige points or bonus cards based on the symbols they've placed their workers next to on the action board.

After five rounds, the game ends and players score bonus points based on their architect level, their bonus cards, how well they've completed their work, and their money on hand. The player with the most points wins.

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All mentions
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 11
This page: 11
Sentiment: pos 9 · mix 0 · neu 0 · neg 0
Mentions per page
Showing 1–11 of 11
Video 2RoFgNKwy78 Top List at 10:10 sentiment: positive
video_pk 129729 · mention_pk 370008
Bruxelles 1893 video thumbnail
Click to watch at 10:10 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Really neat mechanisms
  • Unique worker placement
  • Bidding for abilities is interesting
  • Cool way to handle selling artwork
  • Gameplay is pretty smooth once concepts are grasped
Cons
  • Can be intimidating
  • Took a long time to play
Thematic elements
  • 19th-century urban development
  • Brussels
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Area Movement — moving a cursor token around a grid for selling artwork
  • bidding — bidding on the abilities that are available at the bottom of each column on the action space board
  • Resource Management — a resource wheel that determines what goods will be required to build the different sections of your building
  • Worker Placement — takes place on an action space board where available spaces are determined by a corner piece
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • this is a a very easy game to recommend to people who are looking for a fun fast playing filler game that is super easy to teach
  • It's a brilliant and beautiful engine building game with a fantastic production
  • this is a game for me that scratches the same itch as King of Tokyo but with more meat on the bones
  • I think Vinhos though sits right at the upper reaches of my comfort zone where I feel pretty confident in playing playing it without my brain turning to Mush
  • this one also has some great Miniatures
  • I feel like wayf fars is the smoothest of the heavier games in this series
  • I love the satirical way in which the theme was handled
  • this was one of the first dice worker placement style games that I had ever played and that's still a mechanism that I get excited about in games
  • this is possibly the most thematic game that I own
  • I want a thematic game like this to play out like a movie
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video FFph_hD4CAQ Top List at 3:09 sentiment: positive
video_pk 129707 · mention_pk 369080
Bruxelles 1893 video thumbnail
Click to watch at 3:09 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Focus on building influence and prestige.
  • Order of space selection matters.
  • Rewarding careful timing.
Cons
  • Not particularly strong theme.
Thematic elements
  • Influence and prestige in the city
  • Art Nouveau movement
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Area Majority — There's also an area majority aspect that goes along with the worker placement.
  • Set Collection — You're also collecting cards depicting prominent architects of that era that will provide you with special bonuses or abilities.
  • Worker Placement — Mechanically, this is a worker placement game with two distinct areas, the city board and your personal architecture board.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • Games that have earned their place here because they stick.
  • These are games that I still think about after the box is back up on the shelf.
  • It's not about what's objectively best or what's the highest rating somewhere online. It's about the games that have meant something to me over time.
  • Food Chain Magnate is a brutally pure economic simulation about building a fast food empire.
  • There's no randomness to hide behind. Success comes entirely from reading the table and executing better than your opponents.
  • It's punishing, brilliant, and endlessly fascinating.
  • Mechanically, it's a betting game, but emotionally it is pure chaos.
  • It's incredibly energetic, which is something that you can't say about too many board games, which makes it incredibly memorable.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video e4CjECDPhSE Chairman of the Board Top List at 11:46 sentiment: positive
video_pk 86298 · mention_pk 222862
Chairman of the Board - Bruxelles 1893 video thumbnail
Click to watch at 11:46 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Well-rounded Euro
  • Worker placement and area control are well blended
  • Allows for tailored strategies
  • Well-polished
Cons
none
Thematic elements
  • Brussels, 1893
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Area Control — Well-rounded Euro with worker placement as well as area control.
  • Card Drafting (implied) — When you take an action, you place a worker and get that action, and contribute towards majorities to get special cards.
  • majority scoring — Trying to have the most of your worker or the money you put with your workers in a certain column which will give you some special cards. Also trying to create squares of your workers will have the majority of those squares to get some victory points.
  • Tableau Building — A bit of tableau building as well.
  • Track Advancement — Climbing tracks that might increase the yield of your buildings or increase the yield of your area majorities or your characters that you're collecting.
  • Worker Placement — Worker placement as well as area control.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • Hey everybody and welcome back to my top 100 board games of all time.
  • We're into the best of the best now and we'll be talking about games 30 through 21.
  • This has taken way longer than I had wanted it to, but hey there it is.
  • If you have enjoyed the video, please be sure to hit like And subscribe to the channel and check out my other content too.
  • For everybody else, I'll see you next time on Chairman of the Board. Bye-bye.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video VkSXXVWTYqc Chairman of the Board Discussion at 2:51 sentiment: positive
video_pk 85999 · mention_pk 221681
Chairman of the Board - Bruxelles 1893 video thumbnail
Click to watch at 2:51 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Wonderful game
  • Well refined and well polished
  • Always leaves the host impressed
Cons
  • Art style might put people off (though the host likes it)
  • Missed out on points based on grid coverage.
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Area Control — A blend of mechanisms including area control.
  • Engine Building — A blend of mechanisms including engine building.
  • Grid Movement — Placing workers on a grid with a money fee contributes to columns for end-of-round bonuses.
  • Majority Control — Players compete for majorities of squares on the grid.
  • Resource Management — A blend of mechanisms including resource management.
  • Worker Placement — A blend of mechanisms including worker placement.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • this is where I talk about all of the games that I have played over the last couple of weeks
  • Lorenzo and I think this was the first time I've ever played the game at four players I think three is the sweet spot if I'm honest
  • this is still one of the best engine builders out there I love this game I think it is terrific and it is still a top 10 for me
  • I think my strategy was mainly based on the buildings here so I got quite a few buildings down and I manag to push right to the top of the building track
  • for me this is one of the kind of modern Euro greates because it's just so well refined and so well polished and every time I play it I'm just left impressed
  • this one I always say is probably one of the cleanest examples of having a lot of things going on in such a streamlined system
  • it really is an efficiency puzzle because there's only like two rounds and there's very little slack and very little kind of room for or you know to make mistakes or you know not be efficient
  • I would say maybe the longevity isn't quite there
  • this one I'm definitely encourage you pick up if you want to try something a bit different I'm definitely being overlooked and underrated because it's a very well-designed game
  • this one I always compare to the famous coloretto works almost identically to be honest except the scoring system is different
  • it feels like a a clean Evergreen and if you want a simple easily easily approachable card game in your collect that pretty much anybody can play actually it's it's super simple but still engaging
  • splitter a game I've not played a lot recently actually but I always Advocate this little roll and white
  • it's really good fun extremely punishing actually if you make a mistake
  • Rat Jack a game I speak quite highly of when I when I first played it and reviewed it I still really like this game
  • if you like those kind of pushy luck black Jack style games but with a lot more interaction and some take that then rat Jack is a good one to look at
  • I have to admit I was very I would even say lukewarm I was quite cold in it to be honest I didn't get a lot of enjoyment from it
  • I did I still did not enjoy this one I think it's a little bit too fussy and a bit too fiddly
  • I'm not a big fan of this build a poah hand system and based on these cards because you don't know what's going to come out next and you don't really know what to you know to work towards
  • I find the um the symbology very tiny and it's not the most comfortable to look at
  • I find it a a little bit too swingy and too luck dependent
  • it kind of just feels like the game is playing you
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ZlP256_qEjs Meeple University Discussion at 7:26 sentiment: positive
video_pk 84934 · mention_pk 216699
Meeple University - Bruxelles 1893 video thumbnail
Click to watch at 7:26 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Really enjoyed the company
  • Good game
Cons
  • Frustrating bidding component
Thematic elements
Comparison games
  • Brussels 1897
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Area Majority — Competitive Euro placement game where players box out opponents.
  • bidding — There's a bidding component where one player always seems to outbid and waste money.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • Pola... it's like one of the most beautiful games I've seen.
  • Paperia... it can actually end up being a bit of a aggressive little game when the right scoring things are in certain places
  • 2001: A Space Odyssey... Phil Harding's design it tends to be like simple like things don't need to be complicated and we love it in this one. It's just perfect complexity.
  • The working title is called gumball machine... this one is more kind of like a family game.
  • It's a really simple family level trick taking game.
  • Flip Sevens for everyone.
  • We played the bubble tea game. It was very fun.
  • It's not a new game. Let us know if you have played this, if you enjoy it, what you think of pass.
  • They're great uh convention fillers.
  • The second one is the killer whale who actually worked with human in the past for killing other whales.
  • The third one is the pool that is made from natural. So that's kind of like in area from the sea and they made a pool. So it's like a natural pool from the sea water.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video OvZScU450Bk The Brothers Murph Unboxing at 141:00:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 81313 · mention_pk 201183
The Brothers Murph - Bruxelles 1893 video thumbnail
Click to watch at 141:00:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
Positive
Pros
  • good
  • classic
  • great game
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • Our board game collection has surpassed the 1,000 board game mark.
  • It feels like it's time to do another collection tour.
  • This is Tiny Epic Galaxies. It's a really fun dice rolling, resource management, engine building kind of game.
  • Terraforming Mars. This is a classic.
  • The feeling of terraforming Mars is just epic.
  • Too Many Bones. This game has some of the coolest dice I've ever seen.
  • It's a cooperative adventure game with really satisfying combat.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video SJLE--4SAi0 Meeple University Review
video_pk 70152 · mention_pk 167053
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
none
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • it's a small compact game it's pretty amazing
  • you usually want to try to combo what you're trying to collect with the track that you are trying to increase
  • after four rounds play with the most points wins the game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Pb7-MDUmT2g Review at 0:04 sentiment: positive
video_pk 69393 · mention_pk 165872
Bruxelles 1893 video thumbnail
Click to watch at 0:04 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Beautifully designed game with a rich theme
  • Cool integration of architecture and strategy
  • Every decision feels cool and significant
  • Complex and rewarding for those who love deeper strategy
  • Standout strategy game combining theme, art, architecture, and competition
  • Engaging experience with thoughtful resource management, competitive gameplay, and historical storytelling
Cons
  • Has a learning curve like most Euro games
  • Rules may feel a little overwhelming at first
  • Not an average quick game night game
Thematic elements
  • Architecture and influence in Brussels
  • 19th century Brussels
Comparison games
  • laava
  • Brat G
  • Power Grid
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Artwork Market — Players can create or sell artwork. Selling artwork grants money and Prestige points, and influences a compass that affects the price of the next sale.
  • Building/Architecture — Players use resources to construct their buildings and earn influence. The game features the integration of architecture, with paintings on the board representing buildings.
  • Resource Management — Players juggle various resources to complete commissions, participate in public works, and influence patrons. Every move counts, and resource expenditure impacts financial stability and opportunity.
  • Set Collection / Majorities — Immediate scoring opportunities include column scoring and majority scoring. For each column, players calculate majority based on money placed under their worker. The player with the majority gains a card bonus. There are also Iris majorities where the player with the most meeples earns points based on their player boards and upgraded Iris tracks.
  • Worker Placement — Players place their action marker on available spaces on one of the main sections of the board. Options include creating or selling artwork, building and enhancing architectural projects, influencing nobles, or gaining more resources.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • Every single move counts
  • It's a game all about balancing ambition and caution
  • You've got to be really really quick on your feet or someone else might just hoop in and steal your thunder
  • This isn't just a game that you can breathe through it absolutely has a learning curve like most Euro games do
  • For those who love a deeper strategy game Brussels 1893 is like a well-aged bottle of wine it's complex it's rewarding and it's definitely worth your effort
  • Brussels 1893 is a standout strategy game that combines the theme art architecture and competition and a really engaging experience
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video WicrIikeUhU Game Night Picks - Pair Of Dice Paradise Top 10 List at 12:54 sentiment: positive
video_pk 38730 · mention_pk 245370
Game Night Picks - Pair Of Dice Paradise - Bruxelles 1893 video thumbnail
Click to watch at 12:54 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Strong historical flavor with integrated mechanisms
Cons
  • Prison mechanic adds risk and complexity
Thematic elements
  • Exhibit building, art, and social connections
  • Brussels 1897; Art Nouveau era
  • Historical with strategic depth
Comparison games
  • Brussels 1893
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Action replacement with architect cards — Replace actions with architect cards and pay their value.
  • Endgame scoring tracks — Multiple endgame tracks determine final score.
  • prison mechanic — Certain actions can send cards to prison for scoring or advancement.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • how does a bee carry a stone and how does that stone obstruct another bee
  • this still looks like a neat game
  • it's a flip and write game that is quick and easy to play but still has enough depth to entertain gamers
  • there are several endgame conditions
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 5HRk9XRs_BQ Before You Play Top 50 List at 11:06 sentiment: positive
video_pk 38548 · mention_pk 207959
Before You Play - Bruxelles 1893 video thumbnail
Click to watch at 11:06 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
  • Highly interactive and flow-driven
  • Second edition changes were well-received
Cons
  • Complex for new players
  • Lengthier playtime
Thematic elements
  • arts, politics, and commerce
  • Art market and aristocratic intrigue in 19th-century Brussels
  • mechanics-first Euro with strong interaction
Comparison games
  • Terramystica
  • Art market-themed euros
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
  • Area Control — Limited spaces per column/area create tension and blocking opportunities.
  • area control and building — Limited spaces per column/area create tension and blocking opportunities.
  • Dual-board action economy — One board controls action choice via a protractor-like mechanism; placement limits and area control drive scoring.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • It's so good. This is a fun one to bring out.
  • Two teams trying to figure out the words each other's words by using numerical codes.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Y1QRR5W2en4 Before You Play Playthrough
video_pk 1088 · mention_pk 166566
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
none
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
  • the more players you add the longer the game will be
  • this is the most frustrating game that I love
  • this is a very tactical game
  • it's fairly dry
  • I still really like this game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
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