Square Mile (1962) – Board Game Guys

Square Mile

Square Mile is a land development board game that was released by Milton Bradley in 1962. It is designed for 2-4 players and is set in a square mile of raw land that players compete to develop into a thriving community.

Why is Square Mile Popular?

Square Mile is considered a classic board game and is popular among board game enthusiasts. It is significant because it was one of the first board games to simulate real estate development.

Game Components of Square Mile

1 Game board (19.5″ x 23.75″)

25 Black boundary markers

1 Value card (9.25″ x 9.75″)

16 Planning cards (numbered #1 to #16)

24 Tract cards (lettered A to X)

2 Cardboard railroad strips

5 Denominations of money (25, 1000s, 5000s, 10,000s, 50,000s, 100,000s)

20 Zoning cards

Various building cards (Apartment, Church, House, Industry, School, Shopping mall)

16 Plastic bridges

36 Plastic roads

16 Plastic subdivision grids

22 Plastic white buildings

20 Plastic pawns (pyramid-shaped, in red, blue, green, and yellow)

Pad of paper

Rules (inside the box cover).

How To Setup Square Mile

To set up the game, players start by zoning the sixteen tracts on the board, determining which types of developments can be built on each. Each player begins with $100,000 and one free tract, decided randomly. Players then bid on additional tracts at low prices. The number of tracts each player can bid on is determined by the number of players. After the bidding phase, players build road segments: one plus one per player. This initial setup prepares the game environment for development.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Sell: Sell any property at market value.

Develop: Increase the value of owned tracts by building roads, subdividing, or constructing buildings.

Build Roads: $10,000 for a road or $15,000 for a road with a bridge.

Subdivide: $25,000 to subdivide a tract after ensuring roads on all four sides.

Construct Buildings: Build zoned buildings with varying costs.

Buy: Purchase tracts not fully developed or already owned, with a maximum of five tracts per player.

Game Objective

The objective is to buy, sell, and build wisely to accumulate the most assets. The game ends when the last tract of land is bought and not fully developed. The player with the greatest total cash and market value of tracts wins.

Player Experience

In **Square Mile**, players take on the roles of real estate developers, transforming a raw square mile into a thriving community. The game requires strategic planning, financial management, and wise decision-making. Players must balance their spending on roads, subdivisions, and buildings while keeping an eye on market values and competitors’ moves. The modular board and various development options make the game dynamic and engaging.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Encourages strategic thought and planning.

Dynamic Gameplay: The game changes with each play due to the bidding and development phases.

Educational Value: Teaches financial management and real estate development principles.

Modular Board: Allows for varied setups and gameplay experiences.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players due to the numerous rules and development options.

Out of Print: The game is no longer in production, making it hard to find.

Limited Player Count: Designed for 2-4 players, which may limit its appeal for larger groups.

Personal Thoughts on Square Mile

**Square Mile** is ideal for players who enjoy financial manipulation and strategic planning. It is a game ahead of its time, offering a unique blend of real estate development and economic strategy. While it may require some modernization if re-released today, its core mechanics remain attractive to players who relish complex, thought-provoking games. For those who can find a copy, **Square Mile** promises an engaging and challenging experience that simulates the intricacies of land development.

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.