Manhattan*

Manhattan is a strategic board game where players engage in the construction of a skyline of skyscrapers on Manhattan Island. The game blends area control mechanics with spatial strategy, as players aim to dominate the skyline by building the tallest structures in various districts of Manhattan.

Gameplay Overview

  • Skyscraper Construction: Players work to build skyscrapers over several city blocks of Manhattan Island.
  • Objective: The goal is to construct the tallest buildings in as many city blocks as possible.
  • Unique Placement Cards: Each turn, players use a card that dictates where they can add a “floor” to a building on the game board. The placement options are relative to the player's seating position.
  • Control of Buildings: The player who places the topmost floor of a building gains control of it.

Scoring and Winning

  • Area Control Scoring: Points are scored each round based on the control of neighborhoods.
  • Final Victory: The game concludes with the player who has accumulated the most points from area control and tallest buildings declared the winner.

Conclusion

Manhattan offers a competitive and strategic gameplay experience, ideal for players who enjoy games focused on area control, spatial planning, and building. The unique mechanism of card-based placement relative to seating position adds an interesting twist to the gameplay. Players must carefully plan their moves to outmaneuver opponents, control key areas, and ultimately dominate the Manhattan skyline. The game's straightforward rules make it accessible, while its strategic depth ensures a challenging and engaging experience for all players.

Nominated for 3 awards and won 3.

⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 1994

  • 2 - 4 Players
  • 45 Minutes
  • 10+ years old
  • Easy to learn

We like Manhattan so much that we recommend it in the following board game recommendation lists 2024

Games similar to Manhattan

You like Manhattan and are on the lookout for a similar game? Then we recommend the following board games:
All details for the board game Alhambra: The Card Game and similar gamesAll details for the board game If Wishes Were Fishes! and similar gamesAll details for the board game Der Herr der Ringe: Die Gefährten – Das Kartenspiel and similar gamesAll details for the board game Manitou and similar gamesAll details for the board game Patrician and similar games