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rating
Ludopedia
7.5
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
FOR GENRE FANS
Love a quick, creative solo challenge using a standard deck? City of Ruins is for you!
Highlights
- Simple to set up and play
- Strategic card-based challenge
- Immersive, dark theme
- Fast-paced and to the point
Keep in mind
- Relies on card luck
- Limited replayability without expansions
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Get ready for a thrilling solo adventure with City of Ruins! This clever little game uses a standard deck of cards, three dice, and a token to immerse you in a dark fantasy world. Black cards represent the rooms you'll explore, each with its own requirements for being added to your map. Red cards, on the other hand, hold secrets: even-numbered cards reveal valuable treasures, while odd-numbered ones hide monsters ready to attack! And don't be fooled, everything has a 'physical' or 'psychic' element, represented by suits (Hearts and Diamonds are physical, Spades and Clubs are psychic) and tracked by the dice. Your goal? Explore every nook and cranny and defeat all dangers before your physical or psychic strength runs out. The cards feature descriptions that give you a taste of the game's atmosphere, with examples like the 'Room of Eerie Whistling' or the fearsome 'Cloaked Man.' It's a quick and straightforward challenge, perfect for those who enjoy card games with a touch of luck and strategy, where every decision counts towards surviving in this world of ruins.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
OK
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
(Web published)
Designer
Cliff Robinson (II)
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
3owners
4wishlist
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
Do I need a special deck for City of Ruins?
Not at all! You can use any standard 52-card deck. The magic is in the rules and your imagination!
How many players can enjoy this adventure?
City of Ruins is made for you and only you! It's a 100% solo game, perfect for those moments when you want a personal challenge.
How long does a game take?
It's super quick! You can usually finish a game in about 20 minutes, but it can be even faster depending on your luck and skill.
Is it a difficult game to learn?
Not at all! The rules are quite straightforward, and the estimated weight on BGG is 1 out of 5. You can get the hang of it quickly and start playing.
What components do I need besides the cards?
You'll need three standard dice (like those from RPGs or any board game) and any token to represent your character or progress.
Does the game have a lot of story, or is it more focused on mechanics?
It has a cool theme and card descriptions that create a dark, adventurous atmosphere. The mechanics are the main focus, but the setting really helps you get into the mood.
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