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City of the Great Machine (2023) Board Game

ByMichail

City of the Great Machine is a science fiction board game set to be released in 2023 by CrowD Games. Designed by German Tikhomirov, the game features stunning artwork by Maya Kurkhuli, Anna Laryushina, Nikolai Mitrukhin, and Nadezhda Penkrat. With a runtime of 60-90 minutes and suitable for players aged 14 and above, City of the Great Machine promises an immersive and strategic gaming experience.

Game Components of City of the Great Machine

  • Players:** 1-4
  • Age:** 14+
  • Game Time:** 45-90 minutes
  • Setup Time:** ~5 minutes
  • Components:**
    – Detailed miniatures of Heroes and Servants
    – Modular board with repositionable city districts
    – Hidden movement mechanics
    – Resource management elements
    – Progress Board with three discs (Master Plan, Discontent, and Riot tracks)
    – Event deck with alternate rules and objectives
    – High-quality board pieces and artwork[5.).

    How To Setup City of the Great Machine

    The setup involves building the modular board by placing tiles to create the city layout, which is different in each new game. Players take on their roles, with one player as the Great Machine and the others as Heroes. The rulebook provides clear instructions, although some segments may be slightly out of sequence, requiring some page flipping.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Mechanics:**
    – One-vs-Many
    – Hidden Movement
    – Modular Board
    – Resource Management
    – Cooperative and Solo play

  • Game Objective:**
    – The Great Machine aims to complete its Master Plan by advancing the cogwheel pointer to XII.
    – The Heroes must organize three successful riots by raising discontent levels and disabling robotic guards.

    Player Experience

    The game is highly strategic and decision-driven, requiring players to outsmart each other. The Great Machine must anticipate the Heroes’ movements and actions, while the Heroes need to coordinate their plans and execute them secretly. The game features a unique blend of hidden movement and modular board mechanics, making each game session dynamic and unpredictable. Turns are generally quick once players are familiar with the rules, although the game can feel restrictive for the Great Machine player at times.

    Pros

  • High-quality components:** The game includes detailed miniatures, a well-designed modular board, and a clear rulebook.
  • Unique mechanics:** The combination of hidden movement, modular board, and resource management adds a fresh twist to the one-vs-many genre.
  • Thematic depth:** The game critiques the notion of relying heavily on artificial intelligence and embeds this commentary into the gameplay.
  • Robust solo mode:** The game offers a legitimate and interesting solo mode, which is almost a full product in its own right.

    Cons

  • Complexity:** The game has several intricate mechanics and rules, which can be overwhelming for new players.
  • Rulebook sequencing:** Some segments of the rulebook are slightly out of sequence, requiring page flipping.
  • Player count:** The game is best with 2 or 4 players; 3 players can be a bit awkward, though solo and co-op modes are available in an expansion.

    Personal Thoughts on City of the Great Machine

    **City of the Great Machine** is a game for enthusiasts of strategic and thematic board games. It is ideal for players who enjoy complex, decision-driven gameplay and are willing to invest time in learning the rules. The game’s unique mechanics and high-quality components make it a standout in the one-vs-many genre. However, it may not be the best choice for casual game nights due to its complexity and the need for a patient and engaged group of players.

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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

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