Santorini (2004) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Santorini is an abstract strategy board game that was first self-published in in 2004. The game is inspired by the ancient Greek island of Santorini and incorporates elements of mythology. It has since gained popularity for its simple yet strategic gameplay.

Game Components of Santorini

1 Ocean board

1 Island board

1 Cliff pedestal

22 Blocks level 1

18 Blocks level 2

14 Blocks level 3

18 Domes

6 Workers from 3 different colors

30 God powers

1 Rulebook

Optional: Storybook for Kickstarter edition.

How To Setup Santorini

To set up Santorini, start by inserting the gameboard on top of the cliff pedestal and placing it in the middle of the table. Each player chooses a color and takes both pawns/builders of their chosen color. The youngest player begins by placing their two builders on two unoccupied spaces on the gameboard, followed by the other players. This setup is straightforward and takes only about a minute.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Movement: Move one of your builders to an adjacent space, either on the same level, one level up, or any number of levels down.

Building: Build a level of a building adjacent to the moved builder.

God Powers: Optional cards that provide unique abilities, such as building twice or moving again after building.

Game Objective

Win the game by moving one of your builders to the third level of a building.

Alternatively, win if your opponent is unable to make a move.

Player Experience

Santorini is a game that balances simplicity with strategic depth. The basic rules are easy to learn, yet the game requires concentration and strategic thinking to outmaneuver your opponents. The addition of god powers introduces variability and asymmetry, making each game unique. Players appreciate the beautiful and detailed components, which add to the game’s aesthetic appeal. It is suitable for both casual and hardcore gamers, making it a versatile addition to any game collection.

Pros

Simple yet Deep: Easy to learn but offers significant strategic complexity.

Beautiful Components: Detailed and attractive game pieces that enhance the gameplay experience.

Replayability: High replay value due to the variable player powers and different strategies.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above, making it a great family game.

Cons

Not Travel-Friendly: The game’s components, especially the 3D structures, take up a lot of space, making it less portable.

Potential for Early Elimination: In games with more than two players, some players can be knocked out early.

Personal Thoughts on Santorini

Santorini is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a game that combines simplicity with strategic depth. It is ideal for families, casual gamers, and even hardcore strategists. The game’s short playtime of 15-20 minutes makes it a great fit for quick gaming sessions, and the beautiful components ensure it remains visually appealing. Whether you’re playing with or without the god powers, Santorini offers a engaging and challenging experience that will keep you coming back for more.

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