Monster City Planners (2013) Board Game

Monster City Planners is a card game released in 2013, designed by Gary Dahl and illustrated by The Game Crafter, LLC. The game falls into the categories of card game and city building, and it is suitable for players aged 12 and above. The game involves hand management, open drafting, pattern building, and take that mechanics, providing players with a unique and engaging experience.

Game Components of Monster City Planners

50 City Planner cards

1 City Grid card (double-sided)

3 Pass cards

6 Factory pieces

6 Station pieces

6 Complex pieces

6 Road pieces

White plastic houses

Black wooden sticks (8mm)

Orange blocks (10mm)

Blue blocks (10mm)

A pen or pencil and a piece of paper for scoring.

How To Setup Monster City Planners

To set up the game, first remove the City Grid and Pass cards from the deck. Shuffle the remaining 50 City Planner cards and deal them out to the players, face-down. The number of cards dealt depends on the number of players. Place the remaining cards off to one side as the draw deck. Set aside the Factory, Station, Complex, and Road pieces in a “Building Pool.” Players then look at their hand and select one card to keep, passing the remaining cards to the player to their left. This continues until every card has been kept. The player with the most green “Cement Truck” icons in their hand goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card Drafting: Players draft cards to determine their actions and scoring criteria.

Dual-Use Cards: Each card can be used as an action or for scoring.

Hidden Goal Selection: Players keep their scoring criteria hidden until the end of the round.

Game Objective

Build or Destroy: Players use their cards to build or destroy pieces on the City Grid.

Score Points: Points are scored based on the cards players have kept in their hand.

Win the Game: The player with the highest total score after two rounds wins the game.

Player Experience

Players enjoy the blend of building and destroying elements, with the Child Geeks appreciating the interactive nature of shifting pieces around the city. However, some players noted a lack of actual monsters in the game despite its title. The game’s simplicity and strategic depth make it enjoyable for both children and adults.

Pros

Elegant Simplicity: The game mechanics are easy to understand but offer depth.

Interactive: Players engage in both building and destroying actions.

Portable: The game comes in a compact box, making it easy to carry.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 9 and up.

Cons

Lack of Monsters: Despite the name, there are no actual monsters in the game.

Short Playtime: Some players might find the game too short, lasting only about 20 minutes.

Personal Thoughts on Monster City Planners

Monster City Planners is a great fit for families and casual gamers looking for a quick, strategic game. It’s ideal for those who enjoy card drafting and dual-use card mechanics. The game’s compact size and easy setup make it perfect for travel or quick game nights. While it may lack the monster theme it promises, it delivers on fun and strategy.

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