Help.. I need some strategy tips. I cannot get a win in this.

[ILOVEFOOTBALL]

First thing I have to get outta the way is this; learning this game on an iPhone is a headache. Is the Steam version any easier to learn? I would imagine so, since it's on a larger screen. But even that said, the way this game utilizes screen realestate is pisspoor. The font size on iPhone (the larger iPhones) is ridiculously small. Doesn't help with learning this game. Developers need to make use of the ENTIRE SCREEN... the tiles can be made a lot bigger, with bigger text. And based on screen shots and videos of this game on Steam, the SAME thing applies. The screen is bigger. I just don't understand why developers can make the tiles, the fonts, the buttons, etc... BIGGER..

Regarding playing... my bigger issue is not knowing what the best "route" or movement path is. I've played the EASY AI about 20 times on my iPhone and I just can't get a single win. The AI seems to know the best routes and thus what order to do things that will ALWAYS keep it 1-2 rubies ahead of me. WTF. Easy is not easy. Super frustrating.

Interesting game but I just don't get how to win. I'd probably do better against another noob human opponent. The "easy" AI plays too good for me. So, does anyone have any strategic tips for playing this? And if you've played this on iOS, is the Steam version AI any EASIER? I feel like I'm playing Chess against a seasoned opponent. I seriously hope Istanbul DICE goes digital. I'm starting to think the movement/route-planning in this game is just not for me.

[Mobo_Community_Team]

We're having internal discussions about the font sizes as we speak, as it's a recurring feedback.

As to AI, it's the same on Steam and on iPhone. First time we hear Easy being too tough...

[ILOVEFOOTBALL]

Great.... the game needs a layout redesign. Make the tiles BIGGER, utilize the entire screen. We don't need them smaller with the artwork backdrop. And yes, bigger fonts within the tiles, buttons, everything.

On iPhone I'm always straining my eyes to see where the opponent is and where my character is. Highlighting a border surrounding the tile occupied by your character and opponent would help, instead of a little micro-sized chip icon.

So no strategies on how to beat this game? It AI seems to know the best path to take, to always stays ahead by a few rubies. That's the way I see it at least. Not sure if I'm supposed to go for the gold, then upgrade wheel barrel, or use the jail and my family member.. its like there's too many options and the AI adjusts what it does based on what I do... nice intelligence built into that ai BUT for me it's not fun. And yeah, I've given up playing on iPhone. It's just too stressful on the eyes. Might try this on PC/Steam next time there's a sale. One thing I do like is the win-count based achievements and how the iOS version shows a running total. I just wish you guys would add a little win/loss counter. As bad as I sound I'd probably play more if I could see how many LOSSES I've accumulated. Keep in mine, building up STATS gives players a sense of accomplishment, just as getting achievements does. And again, its just 2 counters... display them!

[ILOVEFOOTBALL]

I have a request for the upcoming Switch version; exclusive to Switch, add a “super easy” mode. Something anyone can beat and gives satisfaction of “winning”.

Also be really nice to add a true solo-play, solitaire mode, where there’s no ai opponent. You basically play as you would normally, but no opponent, and you have say, 40 or 50 moves (or whatever seems appropriate) to get as many rubies as possible. You could even have a timed solo mode as well. And of course a highscore table for each mode. This would be great for people who enjoy the idea of trading/buying aspects of the game but dont want the added challenge and frustration of playing against an ai opponent.

[Mobo_Community_Team]

Super easy would be tricky, as current easy AI only plans ahead 1 move and does not do that perfectly either... What people around me (who programmed the thing) recommend is that you focus on getting the red and green (Mosque) upgrades early on.

[ILOVEFOOTBALL]

Ah thanx thats helpful. I’ll try thet on pc. Solitaire mode though... i know some ppl in my gaming group would love that. Some of them already play solo mode in the physical game

[Keep On Truckin]

If you're having trouble you could set up a hotseat game and play against yourself so you can get the hang of the game mechanics. There's multiple ways to achieve the 5 gems needed. Study the board set upand try and plan ahead a couple of moves. Upgrading your cart quickly is very rarely a bad way to go as this allows you to go for the mosque gems. You'll usually end up buying one or 2 gems from the dealer. I can't go into anything specific as it does depend on the board layout.

[Anjovi]

I might be a bit late here, but I think that the AI is just particularly good at the 'basic' layout, as the map is laid out in such a way that even the AI can make easy work of it.

Going on a random map layout might ease things as the AI's logic will probably short circuit (I was able to get a 6to3 win playing the AI on medium or hard (can't recall, but the game before that was hard mode, so i'm thinking that it was left on hard)

Essentially, you have to learn to figure out what best paths are to take. You'll probably have to stop for a minute or 2 and look at the whole map, and find all of the possible routes (particularly ones that won't end with you stranded, wasting turns to move across town to the fountain)

You have to also have to make back up plans, incase the opponent or neutral player get's plunked on a spot (a 2 moneys cost when you've got 0 or 1) or taking an opportunity away all together (via taking the palace gem or upping the price of a upgrade tile from 2 to 4)

I've just been playing 2 players though. Been enjoying the heck out of this! really tempted to get the board game version so I can eventually work my way into the coffee expansion!

Phenomenal work on the app devs!