Santa Maria
- Players
- 1-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 3 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 90 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.0 / 5
- Year
- 2017
About the game
Santa Maria is a streamlined, medium-complexity Euro game in which players establish and grow a colony using dice-drafting and engine-building mechanics. Dice representing migrant workers activate rows or columns of polyomino buildings placed on a personal colony board, so placement order matters greatly. As the colony grows, players produce resources, form shipping routes, and recruit monks who provide abilities or bonus points. After three rounds, the player with the most accumulated happiness wins.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli appreciates Santa Maria's clean, low-luck design and satisfying puzzle of activating your own growing colony efficiently. It's a strong pick for players who like tight engine building without excessive conflict.
What we like
- Low-luck design built around strategic dice drafting.
- Satisfying progression as your colony engine grows.
- High replayability from variable specialists and bonuses.
- Includes a solid solo mode.
Keep in mind
- Language-independent icons carry a bit of a learning curve.
- Moderate complexity is a step up from lighter family games.
- Limited direct interaction between players.
Who it's for
Mid-weight Euro gamers who enjoy engine building and tile placement will enjoy this for one to four players, ages 12 and up, including solo play.
