On Tour: USA & Europe - Game Review

Title: On Tour

Designed By: Chad DeShon

Art By: Anca Gavril

Published By: All Play

Released: 2019 (though I have an updated version which also comes with Europe in the same box.)

Player Count: 1-8

Time to Play: 20 Minutes

Ages: 7+

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Overview:

On Tour is a roll-and-write game where you take on the role of a band mapping out their next big tour. Each turn, you'll roll dice, flip over some territory cards, and try to chart the most efficient (and point-scoring) path across the United States (or Europe if you are using that map). The goal? Visit as many states as you can in numerical order so you can play for the most fans and claim tour legend status.

What's purr-ty cool:

It’s super easy to teach.

Every turn, you roll two dice and reveal three territory cards. You’ll make two two-digit numbers from those dice — one in each digit order — and then write them onto your map in the regions shown on the cards. That’s it. Seriously. No complicated rules, no player turns to manage, and no hidden information. It makes On Tour a great pick for introducing new folks to modern board games, especially because you can help guide them without spoiling your own game. And since everyone chooses their number placements independently, you don’t have to worry about someone just copying the “best” player's board after a few turns.

There’s more depth than you'd expect.

Just because it’s easy to play doesn’t mean it’s mindless. Choosing where to place numbers really matters, especially if you're trying to build a clean path across the map. When doubles are rolled — like a pair of sixes — you get to place a wild “star,” which opens up some clutch connection options. There’s also a neat bonus if you place a number in the exact state shown on a territory card — you can circle it, and if you use that number in your final route, you get an extra point. It’s a small detail, but it makes those state matches feel satisfying when they happen. The fact that the game comes with two boards and a set of cards for each is also nice because you get some variety in the box. Speaking of things in the box, I also wanted to shout out the nice production quality as well. The cards especially are made of a very sturdy material which makes the game feel more premium. Plus, the dice are super chunky and satisfying to roll.

Great for game nights and big groups.

On Tour supports up to 8 players out of the box, but since everyone plays simultaneously, you can scale it up even more with printed sheets. The game doesn’t get longer just because more people are playing, which makes it an awesome pick for larger game nights, family gatherings, or events. It’s rare to find a game that works this smoothly at high player counts and still wraps up in under 30 minutes.

The cat's meow:

“Touring the country sounds exhausting. I prefer my tours from the couch to the food bowl — but I have to admit, this one hits all the right notes.” - Solo the Spokescat

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Disclosure: Pudgy Cat Games was provided a copy of this game in exchange for a review, however, this review reflects the honest thoughts of the author.