Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Play

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Screenwise Verdict

Chinatown is that rare board game that does one thing brilliantly: it makes negotiation the entire game. There's no hidden information, no dice luck, no gotcha cards—just you, the other players, and whatever deals you can talk each other into.

The magic is that everything is negotiable. Want to trade properties? Sure. Want to throw in some cash? Go ahead. Want to make a deal for future considerations? Totally allowed. This open-ended structure means the game teaches real negotiation skills—how to read what people want, how to make persuasive offers, how to find trades that benefit everyone.

The 12+ age recommendation is spot-on. Younger kids can technically play, but they'll struggle to assess value and make strategic deals. This really shines when everyone at the table can negotiate on equal footing, which is why it works so well as a family game for teens and adults.

The downside? It absolutely requires the right group. If you have quiet, passive, or conflict-averse players, this will fall flat. And the theme is completely forgettable—you're not really building Chinatown or an amusement park, you're just moving tiles around. But if you have a group that likes to talk, wheel and deal, and engage with each other? This is genuinely excellent.

Age Fit

Best for ages 12+ because younger kids often lack the strategic thinking and social reading skills to negotiate effectively. Adults genuinely enjoy this, so it works great as a family game when everyone can engage at the same level.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

Pure negotiation game that rewards communication, compromise, and deal-making. No mean-spirited mechanics or take-that elements—just players talking, trading, and building together. The social interaction is the entire point, making it excellent for modeling healthy negotiation and cooperation. Some competitiveness is inherent, but it's balanced and constructive.

Imaginative

72

The negotiation itself is where creativity lives—players must invent deals, read people, and find win-win trades. However, the theme (building businesses in Chinatown or an amusement park) is pretty thin and mechanical. It's not a storytelling game or one that sparks visual imagination. The creativity is social and strategic, not artistic or narrative.

Safe

92

Board games don't get much safer than this. No mature themes, no problematic content, no gambling mechanics beyond the inherent 'business building' premise. The game encourages positive social dynamics—free negotiation means players control the tone. BGG reviews consistently mention it works well in family settings. No predatory elements whatsoever.

Enriching

86

Teaches genuine negotiation skills, economic thinking, and social reading in a way few games do. Players learn to assess value, make persuasive arguments, and find mutually beneficial deals. The 2.23 complexity rating makes it accessible without being trivial. Replayability is high because every game depends on the players at the table. These are real-world skills practiced in a fun, low-stakes environment.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Teaches real negotiation skills—how to read people, make persuasive offers, and find win-win deals
Simple rules create space for complex social interaction; you're playing the people, not just the board
Every game feels different because it depends entirely on who's at the table and what deals get made
Fills a unique niche—pure negotiation games are rare, and this is widely considered the best
Works as a family game that genuinely engages adults; not just 'a kids game adults tolerate'

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What to Watch For

Absolutely requires 4-5 players who are willing to talk and negotiate—this dies with quiet or passive groups
The 12+ age recommendation is about negotiation sophistication, not content; younger kids may struggle to assess value and make strategic deals
Not for families who prefer low-conflict games—there's inherent competition, though it's constructive
Theme is basically pasted on; if your kids need strong narrative or visual appeal, this won't deliver

Conversation Starters

"What made that deal feel fair or unfair? How did you decide what to offer?"
"Did anyone regret a trade they made? What would you do differently next time?"
"How did you figure out what other players needed? Were you paying attention to their buildings?"
"Did anyone make a deal just to be nice, or were you always trying to get the best value?"
"What's harder—negotiating in this game or negotiating screen time with your siblings?"

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