Soccer City (2013) Board Game

Soccer City is a card game designed by Jorge Consuegra and was released in in 2013. It is a sports-themed game that allows 2 players to compete against each other in a soccer match simulation. The game combines elements of grid movement, hand management, and simultaneous action selection to create an engaging and strategic gameplay experience.

Game Components of Soccer City

Board: Representing a football field divided into hexagonal cells.

Player Pieces: 7 players per team, including a goalkeeper, with two additional players as substitutions.

Cards: 168 cards in total, including Attack, Defense, Shots on Goal, Goalkeeper Saves, Ball actions, and External Factors decks.

Ball Cards: Serve as a timer, with 45 cards representing minutes in the game, and additional cards for extra time.

Dice: Used for resolving challenges and referee decisions.

How To Setup Soccer City

To set up Soccer City, each player (or “Mister”) places their 7 players on the board, choosing an initial formation. Each Mister receives a starting hand of cards: 3 Attack cards, 3 Defense cards, 2 Shot on Goal cards, and 4 Ball cards. The Ball Card deck is also prepared to act as the game timer.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Grid Movement: Players move their pieces around the hexagonal grid.

Hand Management: Players manage their card hands to execute different actions.

Simultaneous Action Selection: Players take turns making attacking and defensive moves.

Objective: The goal is to score more goals than the opponent by using cards to perform actions like dribbling, passing, shooting, and defending.

Gameplay Steps

1. **Attacking Phase:
– Pass or advance the ball using Ball cards.
– Play an attacking action card.
– Take a shot on goal.
– Reposition players.
2. **Defending Phase:
– Play a defensive action card.
– Reposition players.

Player Experience

Soccer City offers a highly tactical and dynamic experience, replicating the varied options available in a real football match. Players must strategically use their cards to outmaneuver their opponents, with each game turn involving a series of actions that mimic the flow of a football game. The game requires a good understanding of football tactics and the effective use of the card decks.

Pros

High Tactic Depth: Offers a lot of tactical options, making it appealing to football enthusiasts.

Dynamic Gameplay: Each game is unique due to the combination of many different cards.

Realistic Football Experience: Includes detailed rules for various game situations like throw-ins, goal kicks, and penalties.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve due to the numerous rules and card interactions.

Long Setup and Playtime: Games can last anywhere from 90 to 180 minutes, depending on the players’ familiarity with the game.

Personal Thoughts on Soccer City

Soccer City is ideal for football fans who enjoy strategic games and are willing to invest time in learning the intricate mechanics. It’s not for casual players due to its complexity, but for those who appreciate the nuances of football and are looking for a challenging and engaging board game experience.

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