Solar City (2020) Board Game

Solar City is a city-building board game that was released in in 2020. It is designed by Mariusz Gandzel, Karol Górniak, Radosław Jaszczuk, Monika Korecka, and Jolanta Lendzioszek. The game is set in a futuristic world where players are tasked with building and managing a city powered by renewable energy sources.

Game Components of Solar City

Game Board: A 4×4 grid for each player to build their city.

Skyscraper Tiles: Generate money and can be upgraded to SkyGardens.

SkyGarden Tiles: Score points but do not generate money after upgrade.

Public Structures: Add extra mechanics, permanent abilities, and end-game scoring bonuses.

Activation Markers: Used to lock rows and columns during gameplay.

Money and Point Tokens: For tracking player resources and scores.

Expansion Packs: Include additional buildings like those in the Heart of the City and Suburbs expansions.

How To Setup Solar City

To set up the game, each player starts with an empty 4×4 grid. Players receive a starting amount of money and possibly some initial Skyscraper tiles. The remaining tiles are placed within reach of all players. Public Structures and any expansion content are added according to the specific rules of those expansions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Key Mechanics

Tile Placement: Players place Skyscraper tiles in their grid or upgrade existing Skyscrapers to SkyGardens.

Row/Column Activation: Activating a row or column triggers all Skyscrapers in that row/column, but locks it for all players until the end of the round.

Resource Management: Managing money to buy new Skyscrapers or upgrade to SkyGardens.

Point Scoring: SkyGardens score points in various ways, but do not generate money.

Game Objective

The objective is to accumulate the most points by strategically placing and upgrading Skyscrapers and SkyGardens, while managing the locking mechanism to disrupt or align with other players’ plans.

Player Experience

Playing Solar City involves a delicate balance between generating income through Skyscrapers and scoring points with SkyGardens. The game introduces a unique form of player interaction through the locking mechanism, which adds a strategic layer where players can influence each other’s moves. The solarpunk setting and beautifully illustrated tiles enhance the immersive experience.

Pros

Unique Tile Mechanics: Innovative use of row and column activation.

High Replayability: With multiple building types and expansions, the game offers near-endless variability.

Player Interaction: Strategic disruption and planning against other players.

Beautiful Artwork: Aesthetically pleasing solarpunk setting.

Cons

Complexity: While the core mechanics are simple, the game can become complex with the addition of expansions and Public Structures.

Information Overload: The busy board can make it difficult to discern information, especially in later stages of the game.

Resource Trade-Offs: The dilemma between income generation and point scoring can be challenging for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Solar City

Solar City is ideal for players who enjoy city-building games with a strategic twist. It is perfect for those who appreciate a game that balances solo efforts with meaningful player interaction. The solarpunk theme adds an engaging narrative layer, making it appealing to players interested in environmental themes. However, it may not be the best fit for beginners due to its complex mechanics and the need for strategic planning.

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