Magnate: The First City (2021) Board Game

Magnate: The First City is a city-building board game designed by James Naylor and published by Naylor Games in in 2021. The game combines elements of economic strategy, auctioning, and dice rolling to create a unique and engaging gameplay experience. With its modular board and various gameplay mechanics, Magnate offers players the opportunity to build and develop their own city from the ground up.

Game Components of Magnate: The First City

3D building models

Property plots

Tenant cards

Dice

Advertising tokens

Risk cards

Money and bidding tokens

Turn order marker (a toy backhoe)

Game board featuring Humbleburg

Various action and consulting gig cards.

How To Setup Magnate: The First City

Setup involves placing the game board, distributing the initial money and advertising tokens, and preparing the tenant and risk card decks. Players also need to set up the property market and available plots of land for development. The game includes a comprehensive rulebook to guide the setup process.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Categories: Economic, City-building

Mechanics: Bidding, Dice Rolling, Area Control, Economic Engine-Building

Objective: Accumulate the most money by buying, developing, and selling properties before the inevitable market crash.

Phases:
– Bid for turn order
– Attract new tenants and collect rent
– Action phase (buy land, build, take other actions)
– Property market phase (manage market risks and increasing land values)
– Prepare for the next round.

Player Experience

Players experience a dynamic and strategic game where timing and luck mitigation are key. Each turn, players bid for turn order, attract tenants to their buildings, and manage their properties to maximize rent. The game is marked by its dramatic uncertainty, as players must navigate the rising property values and impending market crash. Interaction with other players is indirect but significant, as each player’s actions can affect the overall market and tenant availability.

Pros

Excellent Components: High-quality, realistic 3D building models and engaging game pieces.

Dramatic Uncertainty: The game features an impending market crash, adding a layer of tension and strategy.

Thematic Richness: A critique on the excesses of property development and capitalism, making the game thematically rich and compelling.

Simple yet Strategic Gameplay: Combines simple mechanics with deep strategic choices.

Cons

Unnecessary Tutorial Deck: Some players find the tutorial deck unnecessary.

Large Box: The game box is unnecessarily large, which can be a storage issue.

Personal Thoughts on Magnate: The First City

**Magnate: The First City** is ideal for fans of economic and city-building games who enjoy strategic gameplay with a touch of luck and dramatic tension. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate games that require careful timing and planning. While it may not be the best fit for those who prefer direct player interaction, it offers a unique and engaging experience for those who enjoy managing resources and navigating market fluctuations. With its well-designed mechanics and high-quality components, **Magnate: The First City** stands out as one of the best games of 2021.

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