CINECITTA 1937 (チネチッタ1937) (2015) Board Game

CINECITTA 1937 is a board game released in 2015, designed by Nariko (ナリコ) and featuring artwork by 吉々庵 (Kichikichian). The game is set in the iconic Cinecittà Studios in Rome, which was founded in 1937 and has been the backdrop for countless famous movies.

Game Components of CINECITTA 1937

Cards: Players use cards to build their studio and office.

Money: Used for bidding on staff cards.

Staff Cards: These cards determine the quality of the movie and the player’s earnings.

Wallet: A component where players store their money and pass folders containing staff cards and money.

How To Setup CINECITTA 1937

To set up the game, players start by preparing their hand of cards. Each player organizes their cards into two areas: the **Studio** and the **Office**. The Studio can hold a maximum of three cards, while the Office can hold any number of cards. Players then prepare a portfolio for one staff card in their hand by placing it and some money into a folder.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Bidding Mechanism: Players bid on staff cards by placing money into a folder. Another player can either keep the card by matching the bid or take the money.

Card Drafting: Players build their Office and Studio by acquiring and managing staff cards.

Economic Management: Players must manage their money to bid effectively.

Game Objective: The goal is to build a high-quality movie by collecting the right staff cards, which determines the box office return. The player with the highest total earnings wins.

Player Experience

Playing **CINECITTA 1937** is an engaging experience, especially for those who enjoy the theme of old-time film studios. The game combines bidding and drafting mechanics in a unique way, making it appealing to both inexperienced and experienced players. The gameplay is relatively quick, lasting about 40 minutes, and the zero-sum economy adds a layer of strategy.

Pros

Fun Theme: The game’s historic and cinematic theme is enjoyable and immersive.

Portable: The game is relatively compact and can fit in small bags.

Quick Gameplay: The game duration is well-balanced, neither too short nor too long.

Bidding and Drafting Mechanics: These mechanics offer a fresh take on traditional drafting games.

Zero-Sum Economy: This adds a strategic element to the bidding process.

Cons

Component Quality: Some players find the components to be lighter than expected.

Iconography: The game’s iconography and player aid, particularly in the Japanese version, can be confusing.

Repeated Player Interaction: The game can involve consistently passing to the same player, though variant rules can mitigate this.

Personal Thoughts on CINECITTA 1937

**CINECITTA 1937** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic tableau builders with a unique twist. It’s perfect for those fascinated by the film industry, especially the historical aspect of Italian film studios in the 1930s. The game’s blend of bidding, drafting, and economic management makes it a solid choice for players seeking a game that’s both fun and challenging. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking games with heavy components or complex, long-lasting gameplay.

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