| | | |

SiliconVania (2023) Board Game

ByMichail

SiliconVania is a board game designed by Mihajlo Dimitrievski and published by WizKids. It was released in 2023 and falls under the category of Auction/Bidding Tile Placement games. The game is designed for 2 to 5 players, with a playing time of 45 to 90 minutes. It is recommended for players aged 14 and above.

Game Components of SiliconVania

  • Tiles for cityscape building
  • Cards for bidding and strategy
  • Tokens for blood banks and other resources
  • Player boards for tracking progress

    How To Setup SiliconVania

    To set up SiliconVania, players start by shuffling and dealing a set of cards to each player. The city tiles are arranged in a draw pile, and each player chooses a starting tile to place on their board. The blood bank tokens and other resources are placed within reach of all players. The objective is clear: create a thriving city that appeals to both vampires and animals.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Tile-Laying:** Players place tiles to expand the city.
  • Auction Mechanic:** Players use secret bids to acquire new tiles and resources.
  • Cardplay:** Strategic use of cards to influence tile placement and resource management.
  • Game Objective:** Build a diverse and appealing cityscape with adequate blood banks.

    Player Experience

    In SiliconVania, players engage in a dynamic game of strategic planning and tactical execution. The combination of tile-laying and auction mechanics creates a challenging yet engaging environment where each move has significant implications. Players must balance their secret bids with the need to build a cohesive city, making the game both mentally stimulating and entertaining.

    Pros

  • Engaging Mechanics:** Combines tile-laying and auction mechanics for a unique experience.
  • Strategic Depth:** Requires careful planning and tactical cardplay.
  • Replayability:** High variability due to random tile draws and card hands.
  • Thematic Appeal:** A quirky theme that adds fun to the gameplay.

    Cons

  • Learning Curve:** May take some time to understand the intricacies of the game.
  • Player Interaction:** Some players might find the secret bidding mechanism less interactive.
  • Length:** Games can sometimes extend beyond the expected 60 minutes.

    Personal Thoughts on SiliconVania

    SiliconVania is perfect for players who enjoy strategic planning, tile-laying games, and a touch of thematic flair. It’s ideal for gamers looking for a medium-weight game that offers both depth and replayability. While it may not be the best fit for those seeking highly interactive games, SiliconVania provides a rich and engaging experience for fans of strategic board games.

    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. 

    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *