City of the Living

City of the Living

2013
Strategy
3.74 out of 5
8+ people loved this game
Mechanics
Tile Placement
Complexity
Medium
Duration
60 minutes
Number of players
2 - 4 players
Minimum age
13+ years

City of the Living review

City of the Living is a compelling strategy game that puts players in the role of leaders tasked with rebuilding their nations after a zombie apocalypse. The core gameplay centers around balancing resource management, infrastructure development, and environmental concerns. It's a well-designed game that offers a satisfying challenge and plenty of replayability.

The game is based on the original "Prosperity" and starts with 24 tiles divided between energy and ecology. These tiles represent different types of infrastructure you can build, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. You'll need to carefully consider your investments as you balance energy production, ecological impact, research, and economic growth. The gameplay is engaging and encourages strategic thinking, as you must weigh the pros and cons of each action and make choices that will lead to long-term prosperity.

While the game's mechanics are straightforward, the decisions you make can be quite complex. The tension arises from having to constantly juggle competing needs. You might want to focus on boosting your energy production, but that could lead to increased pollution. Or, you might prioritize research but find yourself behind on infrastructure development. It's this delicate balancing act that keeps the game fresh and interesting.

I particularly appreciate the variety of strategies available. Whether you prefer focusing on clean energy, maximizing economic growth, or pushing technological boundaries, the game allows for different playstyles to thrive. The artwork is attractive and the components are well-made, adding to the overall experience. While some reviewers have questioned its replayability, I believe that the depth of strategic decisions ensures that each game will feel unique.

City of the Living is a great choice for players who enjoy strategic, resource management games. It's accessible enough for new players but offers enough depth to keep seasoned gamers engaged. If you're looking for a game that will challenge you to think critically and make tough choices, this is definitely worth checking out.