Sagrada (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Sagrada is a board game that was released in 2017 by Floodgate Games. Designed by Adrian Adamescu and Daryl Andrews, the game has received critical acclaim for its unique gameplay mechanics and beautiful artwork by Peter Wocken. The game is set in the famous Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona, Spain, where players compete to create the most beautiful stained glass window.

Game Components of Sagrada

90 translucent dice in five different colors

24 glass favor tokens

Player boards with stained glass window designs

Round tracker

Score markers

Tool cards for special abilities

Public and private objective cards

Double-sided stained glass ‘frames’ for each player

How To Setup Sagrada

To set up Sagrada, each player chooses a stained glass ‘frame’ from the four options provided, which are double-sided. Once the frames are chosen, they are slotted into the cathedral pane. The first player rolls a set of dice to establish the draft pool, and the game begins. Setup is straightforward, making it easy to get the basics of the game quickly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Dice Drafting: Players draw and roll dice, then draft them to place in their stained glass windows.

Window Crafting: Players must adhere to specific placement rules for the dice in their windows.

Tool Cards: Special abilities can be used for a price in favor tokens.

Public and Private Objectives: Bonus points are awarded for completing these objectives.

Game Objective

The goal is to create the most beautiful stained glass window by placing dice according to the rules and objectives.

Points are awarded for completing public and private objectives, using favor tokens, and minimizing open spaces in the window.

The player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

Sagrada starts deceptively simple but ramps up in difficulty as the game progresses. Players must carefully plan and place dice to meet the requirements of their window and achieve their objectives. The game offers a mix of luck from the dice rolls and strategic planning, making it challenging yet enjoyable. Players can play in a friendly mode, focusing on their own windows, or in a competitive mode, trying to disrupt their opponents’ plans.

Pros

Gorgeous Production: The game features stunning, vibrant components, especially the translucent dice.

Puzzly Gameplay: The game provides a compelling puzzle that exercises the brain without being overly complex.

Great Replayability: Each game is different due to the random dice rolls and varied objectives.

Excellent with Two Players: Sagrada is highly enjoyable in both solo and multi-player settings.

Quick Setup and Play: The game is easy to set up and plays quickly.

Cons

Luck Factor: The game involves dice rolling, which can frustrate luck-averse players.

Potential Issues for Color Blind Players: The game’s reliance on color differentiation can be challenging for color blind players.

Can Feel Solitaire-ish: There is limited direct interaction between players.

Analysis Paralysis: Players may experience AP (Analysis Paralysis) due to the complex placement rules.

Personal Thoughts on Sagrada

Sagrada is an excellent choice for those looking for a light to medium-weight game that combines strategic thinking with aesthetic appeal. It is great for family gatherings, casual game nights, or as a gateway game for new players. However, players seeking deeper, more complex games might find Sagrada too light. Overall, Sagrada strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and challenging gameplay, making it a delightful addition to any board game collection.

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