Santa Monica*

Santa Monica is a captivating board game where players take on the role of city planners tasked with developing the most attractive neighborhood in the iconic Southern California area. The game artfully combines strategic drafting and tableau-building mechanics, inviting players to choose between focusing on serene, natural beachfronts or vibrant, tourist-packed beaches, or even a blend of both to cater to local residents.

Gameplay Overview

• Feature Card Drafting: Players select feature cards from a central display each turn, carefully deciding whether to enhance their beach or street sections. These cards represent various attractions, amenities, and natural elements that can be added to their neighborhood.
• Strategic Tableau Building: As players accumulate feature cards, they strategically place them to create synergies and maximize their neighborhood's appeal. The layout of the beach and street sections plays a crucial role in scoring points.
• Victory Points and Winning: The combination of feature cards not only creates a unique aesthetic for each player's neighborhood but also determines their victory points. The game encourages strategic planning and adaptability, with the player amassing the highest points declared the winner.

Special Features

• Thematic Immersion: The game's theme of developing a neighborhood in Santa Monica is vividly brought to life through beautifully illustrated cards and components, offering players a taste of Southern California's diverse appeal.
• Versatile Strategies: The variety of feature cards available for drafting allows for numerous strategies and approaches to winning, making each game a unique experience. Players can focus on creating a harmonious blend of natural beauty and bustling activity or specialize in one aspect to attract specific demographics.
• Engaging for Various Player Types: Santa Monica caters to a wide range of players, from those who enjoy casual, thematic games to those who prefer more strategic, planning-oriented gameplay.

Conclusion

Santa Monica stands out as a visually appealing and strategically engaging game that offers a delightful challenge to players aspiring to craft the most inviting neighborhood. With its blend of card drafting, tableau building, and thematic depth, it promises an enjoyable experience for gamers looking to immerse themselves in the charm and complexity of urban development along the picturesque Southern California coast. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the hobby, Santa Monica provides a refreshing and satisfying gameplay experience.