San Francisco (2000) Board Game
San Francisco, released in 2000, is a city-building board game designed by Oliver Freudenreich. The game is set in the bustling city of San Francisco during the California Gold Rush, where players compete to build the most prosperous and successful city.
## Game Components of San Francisco
– 4 City boards, one for each player
– 1 Project board
– 87 Product cards
– 6 Bonus cards
– 3 cards in each of two types
– 1 Scoring board
– 23 Point tokens (18 Advantage tokens and 5 district completion tokens)
– 12 Contract tokens
– 12 Bonus tokens (three of each of four types)
– 10 Foundation tokens
– 1 Master Builders medal token
– 28 Cable Car markers
– 9 Skyscrapers to be assembled before the first game.
## How To Setup San Francisco
To set up the game, place the scoring board in the center of the table and the project board below it. Lay out the district completion tokens on the scoring board, matching them by color to the spaces. Place the Advantage tokens depending on the number of players. For a full player game, use all the Advantage tokens; for a three-player game, exclude tokens with a value of -1; and for a two-player game, exclude tokens with values of 1 and -1. Place the bonus tokens and bonus cards on the right side of the scoring board. Place Foundation tokens on the project board, adjusting the number based on the number of players. Shuffle the project cards and place the deck next to the project board. Each player takes a City board and places it in front of them, and the skyscrapers, Cable Car markers, contract tokens, and the Master Builders medal token are placed on the table within reach.
## Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
– **Game Objective**: The goal is to create the most impressive redevelopment plan of San Francisco by designing districts, laying foundations, and building skyscrapers.
– **Mechanics**:
– Players take turns placing or finalizing projects.
– Each project card placed requires a Foundation token.
– Finalizing a project involves taking all cards in a column and a contract token.
– Players earn points for completed projects, skyscrapers, and district completions.
– Cable Car networks also contribute to the final score.
## Player Experience
Players engage in strategic planning, balancing the need to take on new projects with the risk of overcommitting. The game requires careful timing and resource management, as players aim to create the most prestigious redevelopment plan. The game is designed for 2 to 4 players and typically lasts 60-90 minutes.
### Pros
– **Strategic Depth**: The game offers a good balance of strategy and planning.
– **Visual Appeal**: The components, including the Cable Car markers and skyscrapers, enhance the game’s aesthetic.
– **Variety**: The game includes various types of tokens and cards, providing different challenges and opportunities.
– **Replayability**: The random setup of project cards ensures each game is different.
### Cons
– **Complex Setup**: The initial setup can be somewhat intricate, requiring careful placement of tokens and cards.
– **Overcommitting**: Players need to manage their resources carefully to avoid taking on too many projects.
– **Luck Element**: The draw of project cards introduces an element of luck that can affect strategy.
## Personal Thoughts on San Francisco
San Francisco is a game best suited for those who enjoy urban planning and strategic board games. It is particularly appealing to fans of Reiner Knizia’s design style, which emphasizes playability and strategic depth. The game is ideal for players who like to plan and manage resources carefully, making it a great addition to any board game collection.
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