A worn fantasy book cover titled 'City of Sorcerers,' featuring a brooding cloaked figure with a staff in the foreground and a reddish sky over a silhouetted cityscape with towering spires in the background. The cover also notes 'Made in England.'
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City of Sorcerers (1982)

ByMichail

City of Sorcerers

“City of Sorcerers” is a fantasy board game for 2 to 4 players, designed by Scott Caputo. The game is set in a magical world where apprentice wizards struggle to gain the powers that will help them claim the title of sorcerer. The game has gained popularity due to its unique theme, engaging gameplay, and replayability.

Game Components of City of Sorcerers

  • Mat Board**
  • 4 Arena Boards**
  • Chart Sheet**
  • 72 Knowledge Cards**
  • 69 Fate Cards**
  • 20 College of Arch Magi Cards**
  • 8 Artifacts Cards**
  • 23 Blank Cards**
  • 25 Hexes and 4 River tokens** (unpunched)
  • 57 small square chits** (mostly unpunched)
  • Pad of Player sheets**
  • 2 Dice**
  • Beginners guide**
  • Original Instructions**
  • Advertising Sheet**.

    How To Setup City of Sorcerers

    To set up the game, players first prepare the modular board by arranging the hexes and river tokens. Each player selects a wizard and takes the corresponding player sheet. The Knowledge, Fate, College of Arch Magi, and Artifacts cards are shuffled and placed within reach. Players start their journey in the city, where they will research spells and gather powers. The game is divided into two main parts: the city exploration phase and the Sorcerers’ Arena phase.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Category: Fantasy Board Game
  • Mechanics: Area Movement, Hex-and-Counter, Modular Board, Secret Unit Deployment, Simultaneous Action Selection, Variable Player Powers
  • Objective: Gather powers and spells in the city to prepare for the Sorcerers’ Arena, where players must eliminate rival wizards to become confirmed sorcerers.
  • Designer: Alan Paull
  • Number of Players: 2 to 4
  • Age: 12 and up
  • Playtime: Approximately 180 minutes.

    Player Experience

    Players experience a mix of strategy and luck as they navigate the city, researching spells and avoiding the dangers of magic. The game is highly interactive, with players simultaneously selecting actions and deploying their powers. The transition from the city phase to the Sorcerers’ Arena adds a layer of competitiveness, as players must use their gathered powers to outmaneuver their opponents.

    Pros

  • High Replayability: Each game offers a different experience due to the modular board and variable player powers.
  • Unique Mechanics: The game combines several mechanics, such as area movement and secret unit deployment, making it stand out.
  • Immersive Theme: The fantasy setting and the goal of becoming a sorcerer create an engaging and immersive environment.

    Cons

  • Complex Rules: The rules are often described as poorly written, which can make the game difficult to understand and set up.
  • Long Playtime: The game can take up to three hours to complete, which may deter some players.

    Personal Thoughts on City of Sorcerers

    **City of Sorcerers** is for fans of complex, strategy-rich board games who enjoy a good challenge and a fantasy setting. It is ideal for players who appreciate games with high replayability and unique mechanics. However, due to its lengthy playtime and sometimes confusing rules, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for a quick game session. Despite its flaws, **City of Sorcerers** offers a fascinating and enjoyable experience for those willing to invest the time and effort.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl