Expancity (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Expancity is a city-building board game released in 2018 by Breaking Games. Designed by Alex Cutler and featuring artwork by Coen Pohl, the game has quickly gained popularity for its unique gameplay mechanics and strategic challenges. With a focus on economic simulation and tile placement, Expancity offers players a chance to build their own bustling metropolis.

Game Components of Expancity

City grid pieces

Skyscraper blocks

Contract cards

Player boards

Scorepad

Rulebook

How To Setup Expancity

To set up Expancity, players first form the city grid by connecting the grid pieces. Each player receives a player board and the necessary components. The contract cards, which represent tasks from local governments, are shuffled and placed within reach. The skyscraper blocks are also made available for players to use during the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Collaborative and Competitive Elements: Players work together to build the city grid but compete to earn points by building skyscrapers in optimal locations.

Contract Completion: Players complete contracts to gain additional points.

Spatial Awareness: Building upwards and outwards requires strategic planning.

Objective: The goal is to earn the most points by building skyscrapers in the best locations and completing contracts.

Player Experience

In Expancity, players experience a dynamic blend of cooperation and competition. The game requires strategic thinking to maximize points, as players need to balance their individual goals with the collective effort of building the city. The 3D aspect of the game adds a visually appealing and engaging element, making the game both fun and challenging.

Pros

Interactive 3D Building: The game’s 3D city-building mechanic is unique and engaging.

Balanced Cooperation and Competition: Players enjoy both working together and competing against each other.

Strategic Depth: Requires thoughtful planning to optimize skyscraper placement and contract completion.

Visual Appeal: The growing cityscape is visually appealing and satisfying to build.

Cons

Complex Setup: Setting up the game can be somewhat time-consuming due to the need to form the city grid.

Space Requirements: The game requires a significant amount of table space due to its 3D nature.

Learning Curve: New players may need some time to understand the rules and mechanics fully.

Personal Thoughts on Expancity

Expancity is ideal for players who enjoy strategic city-building games with both cooperative and competitive elements. It is suitable for groups of players who appreciate the challenge of balancing individual goals with collective efforts. The game’s unique 3D building mechanic makes it a standout in the board game category, appealing to those who enjoy visual and interactive gameplay. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking a quick, simple game or those with limited table space.

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