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Description
This is a negotiation game in the truest sense of the word. In it, players acquire ownership of sections of city blocks then place tiles, representing businesses, onto the block-sections. At the end of each turn, each tile you've laid gives you some sort of payout, but completed businesses (formed of three to six connected tiles of the same type) pay quite a bit better. All these resources are dealt to the players randomly, however, so players must trade to get matching businesses and adjacent locations.
This game is #2 in the Alea big box series.
Year Published
1999
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 15
This page: 15
Sentiment:
pos 14 ·
mix 1 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–15 of 15
Video inRrr1OxsoU
Unknown Channel top_10_list at 6:40 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12850 · mention_pk 37532
Click to watch at 6:40
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Deep negotiation and social interaction
- High replayability through flexible deals
Cons
- Heavy negotiation can be table-dominant
- Complex rules for new players
Thematic elements
- Negotiation and land/space acquisition
- Urban real estate and restaurant rights in Chinatown
- High-emotion, real-estate negotiation with heavy player interaction
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Negotiation and deals — Players negotiate and strike deals for street spaces to place clubs and restaurants.
- tile placement — Tiles are placed to develop the street layout as deals are made.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the greatest negotiation game that you can get today and it's also really good tile L game in it
- Atta is as dry as a nun's Ming and it's tighter than a duck's ass
- Galaxy Trucker is absolutely hilarious
- the greatest tile-l game ever made is kazone
- Chinatown is the greatest negotiation game that you can get today
- Galaxy Trucker is the definition of absolute chaos
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video YO0cnV6GOXg
Unknown Channel top_100_list at 2:50 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12576 · mention_pk 36685
Click to watch at 2:50
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Pure negotiation game with tight player interaction
- Engagingly cutthroat bargaining
Cons
- Can get aggressively competitive
- Complexity can be a barrier for beginners
Thematic elements
- Negotiation, trade, and property development
- Chinatown, bustling business district
- Economic negotiation and control over plots
Comparison games
- negotiation games in general
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Negotiation and trading — Players trade and bid for plots and restaurant spaces
- Set collection / tile control — Control tiles and build a portfolio to maximize points
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Fury of Dracula this is a one versus all hidden movement game
- Battlestar Galactica is a carbon copy of the ill-fated TV show
- it's Christmas coming up it's the ideal time to go and get this one in it you filthy bastards
- it's fully deserved it's probably going to be a classic in years to come in it
- you can pull off some amazing shots with this
- endless laughter
- one of the best area control war games that we have played
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ftBGS8KYt3Q
Ball Games 4K game_review at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10656 · mention_pk 31448
Click to watch at 0:00
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Simple, accessible negotiation mechanism that remains highly interactive
- High chaos and interaction in multiplayer games (e.g., five players) leading to exciting, unpredictable moments
- Nice balance between randomness and player choice through card discards
- Strategic deception and bluffing elements that reward social manipulation
Cons
- End-of-round cash counting can be tedious and error-prone without a tracking aid
- Trading can be frustrating in games with aggressive players or many participants
- Aesthetics and color differentiation issues can hinder readability and differentiation of tiles
- Some players may find the artwork and visual design dull relative to the game's chaotic theme
Thematic elements
- Deal-making, strategic bargaining, and opportunistic manipulation in a competitive business environment.
- Urban Chinatown district where players acquire businesses, trade assets, and build networks to maximize wealth.
- Procedural and strategic with a focus on social interaction over thematic storytelling.
Comparison games
- Cosmic Encounter
- Nothing Personal!
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card drafting / hand management — A pool of building cards is dealt; players choose which cards to keep and which to discard, adding strategic choice under randomness.
- income scoring / end-of-round scoring — Income is earned based on current holdings and completed businesses; end-game scoring tallies total wealth.
- marker/tile lock mechanics — Markers move with actions, but once tiles are placed they cannot be moved, creating commitment and long-term planning.
- negotiation — Players constantly trade money, plots, and businesses, influencing each other’s options and outcomes through direct bargaining.
- randomness mitigated by choice — Draws are random, but players have control through selective discards, creating meaningful strategic decisions.
- Tile placement / area development — Tiles represent districts and building plots; players place markers and build toward complete businesses to maximize points.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- one of the most simple negotiation mechanisms that you can get in a board game
- it's a raw experience
- it is pure negotiation there's nothing really else here
- absolutely yes this is one of our favorite negotiation games
- the chaos this game creates is second to none
- you can hold back and shape your tactics based on what others are discarding
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video l8vkXb0apXc
Going Analog general_discussion at 13:52 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10605 · mention_pk 31268
Click to watch at 13:52
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- deep negotiation and player interaction
- high tension and replayability
Cons
- can be brutal in negotiation dynamics
- rule-explanation can be lengthy
Thematic elements
- Negotiation, property acquisition, and grid-based placement
- Urban development and business planning
- Strategic negotiation with asymmetric goals
Comparison games
- Through the Ages
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- economic engine — Player-driven market dynamics determine success.
- negotiation — Players form and break deals to acquire property and leverage rent.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- you are correct the answer is b
- it's actually a board game not an rpg
- Hanabi you actually got that in just in time
- new york zoo… happy birthday
- through the ages
- your latest game working circuits it's only 20 dollars
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video VcKuFuKuxKM
Kyoto top_10_list at 12:46 sentiment: positive
video_pk 9946 · mention_pk 29255
Click to watch at 12:46
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- all-time favorite trading game of the host
- 5 players is maximum player count with most opportunity for deals
- frantic and hectic experience ideal at this count
- players can lose track of winning due to engagement
Cons
- not suitable for introverts or players who don't like loud interaction
- requires constant haggling and negotiation
- can lead to overspending if not careful
Thematic elements
- real estate
- negotiation
- trading
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
No quotes stored for this video.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ksa9gBos2Jw
Kio Ora game_review at 0:00 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 9619 · mention_pk 28418
Click to watch at 0:00
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Fast, frantic trading phase with high engagement
- Low downtime due to simultaneous actions
- Vivid, detailed board depiction of Manhattan Chinatown
- Dynamic value evolution of deeds and shops challenging players to anticipate shifts
Cons
- Contains stereotypes about Chinese businesses and families, which can be uncomfortable
- Not friendly to solo players due to no solo mode
- Some players may drag trades into overly formal or lengthy negotiations
Thematic elements
- building a family business and navigating a dynamic, immigrant-driven market
- 1965 Manhattan Chinatown during immigration era
- multi-party negotiation and market trading with trades influencing future turns
Comparison games
- Pit
- Sidereal Confluence
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Deed management and placement — Acquiring and placing deeds to claim spaces on the board for income
- Mutual trades — Trades require mutual agreement between players
- Real-time trading — Players negotiate and execute trades simultaneously during a central trading phase
- tile laying — Players place shop tiles to form valuable networks and achieve scoring conditions
- Turn-based scoring across six rounds — Players accumulate money; contest ends after six turns with the richest as winner
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Chinatown fast, frantic, Fun
- the real-time trading phase can get really noisy and chaotic
- if these kind of cliches make you uncomfortable this game won't be for you
- the six turns are over in no time at all
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video XF17e6woWKI
Chairman of the Board top_10_list at 4:28 sentiment: positive
video_pk 8755 · mention_pk 25827
Click to watch at 4:28
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- highly dynamic, lively negotiation-driven play
- machines for information drip-feeding create late-game tension
Cons
- ambitious negotiation can be exhausting at times
- complex for new players due to multiple trade options
Thematic elements
- dynamic negotiation with heavy trading and bribery
- urban real estate and shop trade in a bustling Chinatown
- information drip-fed as the game progresses
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area control via real estate — control zones by placing shops and managing regions
- dynamic economy — tile upgrades and shop combinations create evolving income
- negotiation and trade — players trade shops and units, using bribery and negotiation to improve holdings
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- board gaming Perfection such a an intricate and nuanced design
- the best negotiation game out there
- fast so engaging
- I can't find a fault with this game it is just so much fun
- one of the original area control style games
- the time track system I've ever seen
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video UIySi3BySqU
Three Minute Board Games top_10_list at 30:57 sentiment: positive
video_pk 8691 · mention_pk 25645
Click to watch at 30:57
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- all about wheeling and dealing
- trading game excellence
- new version waterfall park coming
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- real estate trading
- urban chinatown
- trading_negotiation
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- tile acquisition — acquiring contiguous tiles and shops
- Trading — all about trading
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this is my list the video says the top 100 board games of all time but it really is just my top 100 board games of all time
- three minute board games is an independent channel we dont take money from publishers and we do not do any form of paid content
- Mosaic has the ambitious goal of being a civilization game that can be played in two to three hours and it very much succeeds at this goal
- a game that does not need to be played with a traitor because the inherent selfish goals in this game created enough internal conflict
- I love space racing games and space corp is the game that is most racy as far as space racers go
- the term I use instead of gateway game is foundation game
- Sentinels could easily be a forever game the kind of game you just play over and over and over and over again endlessly
- Modern Art is a simple and brilliant and beautiful game and easily the best pure auction game Ive ever played
- Black Orchestra models some very clever things about how conspiracy is run
- when I asked the question hey what game should I play with my non-gamer friend who's interested in gaming but hasn't done much gaming I almost always answer Sentient Golem Edition
- Arkham Horror is the game that really made board gaming my number one hobby
- there are a few things more fun and rewarding in board gaming than organizing a fight in the arena
- Twilight Struggle is one of the best head-to-head games out there
- Santorini is the definition of an elegant design
- Arkham Horror the card game absolutely should be for you it's a hundred percent for me and it is my number one game of 2023
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video VfGCHdtVSYY
Phenomena top_10_list at 6:08 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5834 · mention_pk 17271
Click to watch at 6:08
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Ridiculous fun in bargaining
- High interaction and social drama
- Strategic placement with positional advantage
Cons
- Can be chaotic for new players
- Component scales and setup can be lengthy
Thematic elements
- negotiation and market dynamics
- Chinatown trading and business district
- market exchange with simultaneous trades
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- negotiation and bargaining — Players trade and haggle to acquire valuable properties.
- Simultaneous trading — Trades occur at multiple spots, creating a dynamic market.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- betrayal at house of the hill is the tropius game ever made
- deception is one of the most accessible social deduction games for one
- it's a simple move and attack fighting game with variable player powers
- Chinatown is one of the greatest bargaining games ever made
- this is the best social deduction game ever made
- Cosmic Encounter the best of all the games
- board games provide so much of that because they're so social
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video zgPVVoQl_VU
Chairman of the Board analysis at 33:04 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5259 · mention_pk 15561
Click to watch at 33:04
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- best negotiation game on the market in its class
- dynamic trading and deal-making with real-time player interaction
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)
- Mandala blew me away this year
- Chinatown is the best negotiation game out there
- barrage is a 10 out of 10 game for me
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 3y9NjgP2bmY
Unknown Channel game_review at 28:33 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4409 · mention_pk 12902
Click to watch at 28:33
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- dynamic trading phase with rapid interaction
- strong table presence and flavorful artwork
- high energy and social engagement in trading rounds
Cons
- stereotypes in theme can be uncomfortable for some players
- information density on tiles can hinder accessibility
Thematic elements
- real-time trading, shrewd dealmaking, and risk
- 1920s New York Chinatown, immigrant family enterprise
- noir-realism with humor and stereotypes
Comparison games
- Pitt
- Sidereal Confluence
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- real-time trading and negotiation — players trade and negotiate to assemble deals; deals can shift with the board state
- set collection and tile drafting — draft deeds and shops; collect tiles to form optimal sets
- tile-based drafting with passing — pass tiles among players, building chains of connected shops
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is the definitive Game of Thrones game if you want to capture the feeling of the epic battles for the throne.
- The best thing about this game is winning as House Lannister.
- The dice's combat is great and I personally do not like playing with the optional tides of battle cards.
- The art as always with Red Raven Games is stunning.
- Chinatown is deeply rooted in stereotypes of Chinese businesses and families; if you find that offensive, this game won't be for you.
- Circadian's First Light is a busy game with a heck of a lot going on.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ZI-1r08J94Y
3 Minute Board Games game_review at 2:50 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4208 · mention_pk 12308
Click to watch at 2:50
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed to positive
Pros
- Rich thematic framing and negotiation depth
- Strategic complexity and replay potential
- Firm reference point for evaluating Waterfall Park
Cons
- More complex rules and longer playtime compared to Waterfall Park
Thematic elements
- more robust and narrative-driven in comparison to Waterfall Park
- Business district negotiation and storefront placement with a cultural theme
- story-driven economic negotiation with a richer thematic frame
Comparison games
- Waterfall Park
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- set collection — Form sets of tiles to maximize income and control of districts.
- Tile/Location placement — Place tiles to establish storefronts and zones within a bustling market district.
- trading/negotiation — Players negotiate and strike deals to gain access to coveted locations and resources.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Waterfall Park is a reworking of Chinatown and keeps the core of that game.
- the best thing about this game is the tiles that stick into the board, it's a really clever design and they aren't going anywhere
- Waterfall Park makes absolutely no sense as a theme
- I mean who are you in this game and why are you competing?
- I found myself longing to play the original instead
- for a trading game turned up to 11 try siderial Confluence
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video pLZtymyXO80
Cardboard Herald interview at 29:04 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4278 · mention_pk 12438
Click to watch at 29:04
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- fast-paced negotiation and clear player goals
- accessible entry point for heavier Euro-style mechanics
Cons
- potentially cutthroat for new players
- edge-case balance can feel swingy
Thematic elements
- urban commerce, negotiation under time pressure
- Stock-trading style economic negotiation in a bustling Chinatown
- live negotiation and rapid card/board actions
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- real-time market/negotiation — players negotiate to gain licenses and property in a dynamic market.
- set collection / route management — players aim to optimize routes and tile ownership to maximize revenue.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the shortest review available on BoardGameGeek was 28 minutes long
- I'm tired of long reviews I'm going to make them ten minutes or less scripted
- no games for everyone
- the secret is that I have boxes for each section
- I'm an outsider and I'm actually okay with that
- we always give some negatives on every game
- bear cave
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video uKNM5tNYTyg
Jamie's Board Game Channel game_review at 10:44 sentiment: positive
video_pk 3961 · mention_pk 11567
Click to watch at 10:44
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Deep negotiation
- Simple base mechanics
- Strategic property development
Cons
- Requires negotiation-friendly group
- Potentially dated theme
Thematic elements
- Property Development
- Urban Chinatown
- Business Negotiation
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- negotiation — Players trade properties and businesses
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I'm gonna be talking about older games
- Games you may have forgotten about
- Could have been designed yesterday
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video -Vnd3LGwg_8
Three Minute Board Games top_10_list at 2:53 sentiment: positive
video_pk 3366 · mention_pk 9954
Click to watch at 2:53
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- tight, strategic play
- engaging negotiation dynamics
Cons
- uses stereotype-filled theme that the author critiques
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area_control — control of districts through strategic moves and trades.
- negotiation_and_bargaining — players negotiate and trade to secure deals and territories.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I have played original Queen's Garden a heck of a lot.
- Chinatown is a really really good cut and thrust strategic bartering territory grabbing game that doesn't really need to be leaning into some stereotypes about certain groups of migrants.
- Planet Unknown you had me at it's a jigsaw puzzle terraforming game with a lazy SU in the middle of the table.
- Hues and Q's isn't just about identifying different shades of color it's also about describing them.
- I love a pretty puzzly game and this one seems to tick all the right boxes.
- Stardew Valley the board game is one of those games where I have to get into the flow of my tasks.
- Jurassic Park is always somewhere in my top two movies of all time.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
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