Metropoli (2010) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Metropoli is a city-building board game designed by Spartaco Albertarelli and published by Editrice Giochi in in 2010. The game is for 3-6 players and has a runtime of 90 minutes. It falls under the categories of city-building, dice, economic, and negotiation, with gameplay mechanics involving auction/bidding and trading.

Game Components of Metropoli

Game board: Representing a city with various numbered squares.

Cards: Each card has a number corresponding to squares on the board.

Colored game pieces: For claiming property.

Instruction manuals: Available in multiple languages, including German, Italian, French, and English translations.

Evaluation cards: Used for assessing the value of buildings.

How To Setup Metropoli

Setting up Metropoli involves placing the game board in the middle of the playing area and distributing the colored game pieces among the players. Each player selects a set of cards that have numbers matching the squares on the board. The instruction manuals provide detailed steps, but the setup is generally straightforward, allowing players to quickly begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

**Game Mechanics:**

Card selection: Players choose cards with numbers matching squares on the board.

Property claiming: Players use colored game pieces to claim property on the board.

Zoning and land assembly: The value of buildings changes based on nearby structures (e.g., home values decrease with nearby factories, increase with schools or parks).

Trading and alliances: Players can trade and form alliances to achieve their goals.

**Game Objective:**

The objective is to accumulate the most valuable properties by strategically placing buildings and managing the effects of zoning and land assembly.

Player Experience

Playing Metropoli involves a blend of strategic planning and tactical decision-making. Players must balance the value of their properties by carefully choosing which buildings to construct and where. The game encourages interaction among players through trading and alliances, adding a social layer to the gameplay. With its abstracted urban planning mechanics, Metropoli offers a unique and engaging experience that challenges players to think strategically about city development.

Pros

Strategic depth: Offers infinite strategic possibilities despite being easy to learn.

Interactive gameplay: Encourages trading, dealing, and alliances among players.

Urban planning theme: Provides an interesting perspective on city development and zoning.

Quick gameplay: Typically takes a maximum of one and a half hours to play.

Cons

Out of print: The game is no longer in production, making it difficult to find.

Language barriers: Original versions may not include English instructions, though translations are available.

Complex combinations: Certain card combinations can feel overpowered, affecting game balance.

Personal Thoughts on Metropoli

Metropoli is ideal for fans of strategic city-building games and those interested in urban planning. It is a great choice for players who enjoy games with deep strategic possibilities but prefer a shorter playtime. If you appreciate the works of Sid Sackson or are looking for a classic “German” game with a unique theme, Metropoli is definitely worth the hunt, despite being out of print.

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