Simplicity (2021) Board Game

Simplicity is a board game released in 2021, designed by Sergio Chaves and Rainer Petter. The game falls under the categories of Abstract Strategy and City Building, appealing to players aged 10 and above. With a playing time of 20-40 minutes, Simplicity accommodates 2-6 players and incorporates game mechanisms such as Modular Board, Open Drafting, Pattern Building, and Tile Placement.

Game Components of Simplicity

Cards: The game is card-based, focusing on building and managing city infrastructure.

City Points: Used to increase the value of the city.

Building Cards: Represent various businesses and structures that generate income.

Player Boards: Each player has their own board to manage their city.

How To Setup Simplicity

To set up the game, each player starts with a basic city setup and a hand of building cards. The deck of building cards is shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Players must decide how to balance increasing the value of their city (via City Points) and establishing synergy by purchasing similar building types to maximize income.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players draft building cards to add to their city.

Resource Management: Managing City Points and the income generated from buildings.

Area Control: Competing for the best building placements to optimize city income.

Objective: The goal is to have the highest income-generating businesses in your city by the end of the game.

Player Experience

Players experience a blend of strategic planning and tactical decision-making. Each turn, they must weigh the benefits of increasing their city’s value against the need to establish synergies between different types of buildings. The game requires flexibility as players respond to the changing supply of building cards and the decisions made by their opponents.

Pros

Easy to Learn: The game has simple rules, making it accessible to new players.

Hard to Master: Deep strategic layers provide a challenging experience for experienced players.

Interactive: Players must react to each other’s moves, adding a social and competitive element.

Variable Setup: Each game can have a different setup due to the card drafting mechanism.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for two to four players, which may limit its appeal for larger groups.

Luck of the Draw: The availability of certain building cards can be influenced by luck.

Personal Thoughts on Simplicity

**Simplicity** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic city-building games without overwhelming complexity. It is a great fit for those who like to balance short-term and long-term goals, and who appreciate the social interaction of competing against other players. However, it may not be the best choice for very large groups or players seeking games with minimal luck involved.

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