Small City

AVStudioGames · Board game · 2015

7.6 Ludopedia 7.3 BGG 1–4 · best 3 Solo 60–120 min Weight 4.0/5

Buy · from US$ 43.89

7.6 rating Ludopedia

7.3 rating BGG

Buy · from US$ 43.89

Our Verdict

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy city planning and resource management with a competitive edge of influence, Small City might just be your next favorite game!

Highlights

Engaging city building
Deep economic simulation
Constant strategic challenge
Asymmetric player powers

Keep in mind

Steep learning curve
Pollution management needed
Eight turns go fast

Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.

About the game

What you do in a play session

In Small City, you step into the shoes of a borough mayor, tasked with securing your re-election within a tight eight-turn limit. Your mission is to attract new citizens, develop residential areas to house them, and boost both commercial and industrial sectors. But beware: industrial growth brings pollution, which can negatively impact your final score! Building the right infrastructure is key to earning citizens' trust and, ultimately, their votes. However, empty promises won't get you anywhere! Victory goes to the mayor with the most votes (victory points) after eight turns. These points are earned through various actions: placing citizens in residential zones, constructing cultural buildings, strategically locating commercial establishments, and fulfilling the promises you made at the game's outset. Small City is an economic simulation and city-building game that demands strategic planning. It's part of a trilogy by designer Alban Viard, which also includes Town Center and Card City, exploring interconnected themes and mechanics. The complexity is moderate to high, perfect for players who enjoy long-term thinking and managing multiple city facets.

Gallery

Box and component photos

11 photos · from the community

01 / 11

Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players

1 REC

2 REC

3 BEST

4 REC

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Publisher AVStudioGames

Designer Alban Viard

Artist Alban Viard, Da-Fanny, Sampo Sikiö, Todd Sanders

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,036owners

622wishlist

113want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions

What is the average playtime for 4 players?

Playtime can vary significantly, but expect around 90 to 120 minutes for 4 players, as there's a lot of planning involved.

Is the game very complex? Is it for beginners?

Small City is classified as a heavier game (4/5 on BGG). It requires significant planning and strategic thinking, making it more suitable for experienced players or those already accustomed to more complex games.

How many players does it support and how does the experience change?

The game is for 1 to 4 players. The solo mode offers an interesting challenge, and with more players, the competition for influence and space becomes more intense.

Do I need to know English to play?

There is no language dependency on the physical game components. However, understanding the rules might be easier with a translated rulebook or assistance from a more experienced player.

What are the main game components?

You'll find many wooden tokens, polyomino pieces for building structures, promise cards, individual player boards, and a central board for influence tracking.

Is it worth it for fans of city-building games?

Absolutely! Small City offers a rich city-building experience with a robust economic system and the need to manage pollution, adding an extra layer of challenge.