Santorini (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Santorini is a highly acclaimed abstract strategy board game that was released in in 2016. Designed by Gord!, the game is set in the beautiful Greek island of Santorini and draws inspiration from ancient mythology. With stunning artwork by Lina Cossette and David Forest, Santorini has become a popular choice for gamers looking for a challenging and visually appealing experience.

Game Components of Santorini

Gameboard featuring the island of Santorini

2-4 player tokens (male and female Workers) depending on the number of players

Building pieces (base, middle, and top) for constructing towers

Blue domes to cap the towers

God cards introducing unique powers and variability.

How To Setup Santorini

To set up the game, place the gameboard on its cliff pedestal in the middle of the table. Each player chooses a color and takes two Workers of that color. The youngest player starts by placing their Workers on two unoccupied spaces on the board, and the other players follow suit. For the first game, it is recommended to play without the God cards to familiarize yourself with the basic rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement: Move one of your Workers to an adjacent space, including diagonals. You can move up one level or down any number of levels.

Building: After moving, add a building piece adjacent to the moved Worker.

Objective: The goal is to move one of your Workers to the top (third level) of a tower.

Additional Mechanics:
– Use of God cards to introduce unique powers and asymmetrical gameplay.
– Blocking opponents with blue domes to prevent them from reaching the top level.

Player Experience

Santorini offers a dynamic and engaging experience, balancing simplicity with depth. The basic game is easy to learn but challenging to master, making it accessible to a wide range of players. The introduction of God cards significantly enhances the game’s replay value and complexity, requiring players to adapt their strategies based on the powers in play. The game feels like a cat-and-mouse strategy where players must balance offensive and defensive moves to outmaneuver their opponents.

Pros

High Production Value: Beautiful, colorful components and a visually striking setup.

Replay Value: Enhanced by the use of God cards, which introduce unique powers and variability.

Simple yet Deep: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Quick Games: Typical game length is about 20 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Requires thoughtful planning and adaptation.

Cons

Balance Issues: God cards can create significant balance issues and unfair juxtapositions.

Complexity with Powers: The game becomes more complex and potentially overwhelming with the inclusion of God cards.

Learning Curve: While the basic rules are simple, mastering the game with God cards can take time.

Personal Thoughts on Santorini

Santorini is a game that caters to a wide range of players, from casual gamers to strategic enthusiasts. It is perfect for those who enjoy abstract strategy games and are looking for a game that offers both simplicity and depth. The inclusion of God cards makes it a versatile game that can be played in various ways, ensuring long-term interest and engagement. Whether you prefer a straightforward game or one with complex strategic layers, Santorini has something to offer.

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