The City

The City

Card GameCity Building
Players
2-5
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
3 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
30 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
10+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
1.6 / 5
Year
2011

About the game

The City is a fast-paced card game from designer Thomas Lehmann in which every card doubles as both a building and a form of currency. Players simultaneously reveal a card each round to construct buildings, paying costs by discarding other cards from hand. Buildings can generate ongoing income, boost victory points through symbol synergies, or unlock combos with other structures already in play. The first player to reach 50 victory points wins, and since points accumulate every round, a fast start matters enormously.

Hobbli's Notes

A tight, clever little game from the designer of Race for the Galaxy: the dual-use cards create satisfying tension between spending and building, all wrapped up in a brisk 30-minute package.

What we like

  • Clever cards-as-currency-and-buildings design.
  • Fast-paced simultaneous action selection keeps everyone engaged.
  • Satisfying combo-building between buildings and symbols.
  • Quick 30-minute playtime fits well as a filler.

Keep in mind

  • A fast start toward 50 points can snowball quickly.
  • Simultaneous reveal can create some analysis paralysis.
  • City-building theme is mostly abstract and thin.

Who it's for

Well suited to euro-game fans aged 10+ looking for a quick, combo-driven card game for small groups.

Mechanics

Hand ManagementIncomeMulti-Use CardsRaceSet CollectionSimultaneous Action SelectionTags

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