Santa Monica

Alderac Entertainment Group, Choo Choo Games, Delirium Games · Board game · 2020
2–4 · best 2 45 min Weight 2.2/5
7.9 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
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7.9 rating Ludopedia
7.1 rating BGG
Our Verdict

If you enjoy light building and set collection games with a relaxing theme, Santa Monica is a fresh breeze that will win you over!

Highlights
  • Visually appealing tableau building
  • Smooth, intuitive mechanics
  • Relaxing and inviting theme
  • Accessible strategic decisions
  • Good replayability
Keep in mind
  • Limited player interaction
  • Can feel a bit repetitive
  • Scoring can be abstract
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About the game
In Santa Monica, you'll dive into the challenge of building the most charming and appealing stretch of Southern California coastline. The idea is to create a neighborhood that truly embodies Santa Monica, with the freedom to choose the style that most appeals to you. How about a super calm beach, focused on nature and tranquility? Or do you prefer something more bustling, with tourists everywhere and lots of energy? Perhaps a middle ground, appealing to both locals and visitors, would be ideal? The decision is yours, and each choice will shape the identity of your little piece of paradise. Each round, the mechanic is simple yet full of strategy: you'll draft a feature card from the central display. These cards can be used to develop either your beach or the street that accompanies it. The secret to success lies in making these features work together, creating synergies that will earn you many victory points. It's a game of planning and optimization, where the interaction between the pieces you choose is fundamental. In the end, whoever has the smartest combination and the highest-scoring neighborhood takes the victory. Get ready for a light yet strategic game, perfect for those who enjoy watching their creation grow and prosper!
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
3 REC
4 REC
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Game details

Categories

Families

Digital Implementations: Yucata Game: Santa Monica Mechanism: Tableau Building States: California Theme: Amusement Parks / Theme Parks Theme: Beaches Theme: City
Publisher Alderac Entertainment Group, Choo Choo Games, Delirium Games, FoxGames, Game Harbor, Little Rocket Games, Skellig Games, Vem Pra Mesa Jogos
Designer Josh Wood
Artist Jeremy Nguyen, Josh Wood
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Santa Monica a complex game for beginners?
Not at all! Santa Monica is super accessible. The rules are easy to grasp, and the mechanic of drafting cards and building your tableau is very intuitive. It's great for newcomers to board games or for those looking for something lighter.
How many players can participate in a game?
Santa Monica is ideal for 2 to 4 players. The experience changes slightly depending on the number, with more competition for cards in the display with more people, but it works very well in any configuration.
What is the average game duration?
A game of Santa Monica is quick, perfect to fit into any moment! It usually takes between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of players and each one's decision-making speed.
What is the main objective of the game?
Your objective is to build the most attractive neighborhood in Santa Monica, strategically combining beach and street cards to accumulate as many victory points as possible. Whoever has the most points at the end wins!
Are the components of good quality?
Yes! The cards are of excellent quality, with vibrant illustrations that truly transport you to the sunny atmosphere of Santa Monica. The art is one of the highlights of the game, greatly contributing to immersion.
Is there much player interaction?
Interaction is more indirect. You compete for cards in the central display, meaning a player might take a card you wanted. But there are no direct attacks or sabotage; it's more of a personal optimization game with a touch of racing.