Motor City (2023) Board Game

Motor City is a board game that was released in 2023 by 25th Century Games. It is designed by Adam Hill, Ben Pinchback, and Matt Riddle, with artwork by Ilya Avakov and Marlies Barends. The game falls under the category of Dice and Industry/Manufacturing, and it includes mechanisms such as Action Drafting, Dice Rolling, Die Icon Resolution, Paper-and-Pencil, and Solo/Solitaire Game.

Game Components of Motor City

Player Sheets: Each player has two sheets with multiple areas represented by tracks.

Dice: Custom-faced dice corresponding to different departments.

Blueprint Board: Divided into four major departments.

Engineer and Test Car Cards: Six engineering tracks and three testing tracks.

Auditor Die: Used to determine unavailable actions in the next round.

How To Setup Motor City

To set up Motor City, each player selects a test car from one of three available testing tracks and an engineer from the six engineering tracks. The game includes a blueprint board where the dice are sorted and placed. The dice are rolled and sorted by color and symbol. Each player receives two player sheets with various tracks to mark off as they progress.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Dice Drafting: Players draft dice and use them to perform actions in different departments.

Action Upgrades: Players can upgrade basic actions to level 2 or 3 by spending money.

Research and Development: Collecting lightbulb icons allows players to take free actions.

Speedometer: Marking spaces on the Speedometer track earns points at the end of each round.

Audit Phase: One die remains after drafting, and all players can use it. The auditor die determines which department actions are unavailable in the next round.

Game Objective

The objective is to score the most points by advancing on various tracks, including engineering, assembly, testing, and the Speedometer. The game lasts eight rounds, after which final scores are tallied.

Player Experience

Motor City offers a engaging and strategic experience, particularly for fans of roll-and-write games. Players must balance resource management, action upgrades, and research to maximize their points. The game’s interconnected tracks provide numerous bonuses and opportunities, making each round a challenging but rewarding experience. Unlike Three Sisters, Motor City has fewer extended combo turns, making it more accessible for players who prefer less complex turns.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Offers deep strategic choices, especially in action upgrades and resource management.

Interconnected Tracks: Multiple tracks provide various bonuses and points, adding complexity and interest.

Solo Mode: Includes a solo mode with adjustable difficulty, enhancing replayability.

Thematic Enjoyment: The theme of running an auto plant in Detroit is engaging and thematic.

Cons

Less Combo Potential: Compared to Three Sisters, Motor City has fewer opportunities for epic combos.

Familiar Mechanics: Some players might find the mechanics too familiar if they’ve played other games in the series.

Personal Thoughts on Motor City

Motor City is ideal for fans of roll-and-write games and those who enjoy strategic resource management. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate thematic games and are looking for a game that offers a good balance between complexity and accessibility. While it may not offer the same level of combo potential as some other games in the series, it stands out with its unique mechanisms and satisfying gameplay experience.

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.