City of the Great Machine

CrowD Games, Czacha Games, MINDOK · Board game · 2023
1–4 · best 4 Solo 60–90 min Weight 3.6/5
8.5 rating Ludopedia
7.7 rating BGG
Buy
8.5 rating Ludopedia
7.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Steampunk lovers and strategy fans will love this!

Highlights
  • Action Queue Mechanics
  • Modular Board
  • Hidden Movement
  • Cooperative & Solo
Keep in mind
  • Moderate complexity
  • Language requirements
  • Various game modes
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
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About the game
City of the Great Machine transports you to a dystopian future where Victorian steam technology collides with artificial intelligence, creating a floating city of mechanical platforms. You can take on the role of the Great Machine, commanding servants and guards to suppress any uprising, or join the Heroes who aim to spark riots and free the populace. The game is defined by an action queue mechanic that demands forward planning, while area movement and a modular board allow the city to be reshuffled each turn, boosting replayability. It can be played in two modes: one‑vs‑many, where a single player faces the others, or cooperative/solo, where everyone battles the machine. Hidden movement adds tension as the Heroes must conceal their routes from the machine’s sensors. Resources are managed with “Trust” for Heroes and “Bonds” for the machine, adding a layer of strategic economics. Heroes’ goal is to trigger three riots, while the machine seeks to complete its Master Plan, promising to “perfect” humanity but potentially leading to enslavement. For those who enjoy epic narratives, tense gameplay, and a richly detailed steampunk setting, City of the Great Machine offers an immersive and challenging experience. If you appreciate games with hidden movement and strategic planning, you’ll fall in love with this title. The complexity is moderate, but depth lies in every decision you make, whether as the machine or as a hero. The game comes with miniatures, icon dice, and high‑quality components that fit perfectly into the futuristic Victorian aesthetic. Get ready for a game that demands machine‑like strategy, cooperation, and a bit of luck to achieve victory.
Rules videos

In English

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Game details

Categories

Families

Components: Dice with Icons Components: Miniatures Crowdfunding: Gamefound Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Misc: LongPack Games Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Players: One versus Many Theme: Steampunk
Publisher CrowD Games, Czacha Games, MINDOK, Moroz Dev Studio
Designer German Tikhomirov
Artist Anna Laryushina, Maya Kurkhuli, Nadezhda Penkrat, Nikolai Mitrukhin
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players?
1 to 4 players. One player can play solo against the machine, or up to 3 players can cooperate against the Great Machine.
What is the playtime?
Typical playtime is between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on player count and experience.
What is the complexity level?
Moderate complexity. Requires strategic planning, resource management, and attention to hidden movement rules.
What components are included?
Miniature characters, icon dice, modular board tiles, resource tokens, and action cards.
Who is the game for?
Fans of steampunk, strategy, and hidden movement mechanics. Also great for those who enjoy cooperative and solo play.
How does the Action Queue mechanic work?
Each player selects their actions before revealing the order. Actions are executed in the declared order, creating tension and anticipation.