Metropolis (1984) Board Game

Metropolis is a city-building board game that was released in in 1984. The game is designed for 2-5 players, with the best player count being 3-5. It has a runtime of around 90 minutes and is recommended for players aged 16 and above. The game features a unique mechanic of using polyominoes as components for building the city.

Game Components of Metropolis

Game Board: A map of city blocks broken into smaller properties.

Property Cards: Representing different buildings such as schools, apartment buildings, and factories.

Colored Game Pieces: For claiming properties.

Deal Cards: Used for negotiating and trading.

Evaluation Cards: To determine the value of buildings based on their surroundings.

How To Setup Metropolis

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a set of colored game pieces. The property cards and deal cards are shuffled and distributed among the players. The evaluation cards are placed within reach of all players. The objective is to create a well-planned city by strategically placing buildings and negotiating with other players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

City Building: Players construct buildings on the city blocks.

Negotiation: Players negotiate deals to place new structures on the board.

Property Values: The value of each building is determined by the type of buildings in the same block.

Zoning and Land Assembly: Players must consider zoning rules and assemble land to maximize property values.

Objective: The goal is to construct the best buildings and maximize the value of your properties through strategic planning and negotiation.

Player Experience

Playing **Metropolis** involves a blend of strategic planning, negotiation, and a bit of luck. Players must balance the need to construct valuable buildings with the necessity of negotiating with other players to achieve their goals. The game encourages interaction among players, making it a social and engaging experience. The dynamic of how building values change based on their surroundings adds a layer of complexity and realism to the game.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Despite its depth, the game is relatively easy to learn.

Strategic Depth: Offers infinite strategic possibilities within a manageable playtime.

Social Interaction: Encourages negotiation and trading among players.

Urban Planning Theme: Provides insights into urban planning and zoning concepts.

Cons

Out of Print: The game is currently out of print, making it challenging to find.

Complexity in Value Calculation: Determining the value of buildings based on surrounding structures can be complex.

Dependence on Negotiation: The game’s enjoyment can be heavily influenced by the negotiating skills and attitudes of the players.

Personal Thoughts on Metropolis

**Metropolis** is ideal for players who enjoy negotiation and city-building games with a strong strategic component. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate games that are easy to learn but offer deep strategic possibilities. If you are interested in urban planning or enjoy games with a social interaction element, **Metropolis** is a great choice. However, due to its current out-of-print status, it may require some effort to acquire a copy.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.