Santorini Second Edition

Santorini Board Game: A Strategic Climb to Victory

Experience the thrill of building and strategy with the Santorini Board Game, a captivating abstract strategy game designed by Gordon Hamilton. Players have a blast with each session, experiencing a lot of fun and eagerness to replay, regardless of the number of players or variations in gameplay. Originally released in 2004 and reimagined in 2017 through a successful Kickstarter campaign, Santorini offers players a blend of simple rules and deep strategic gameplay.

The game box has received mixed reviews, with some customers noting it arrived damaged, while others appreciate the overall quality of the components inside, emphasizing the game's aesthetic and structural design.

With its visually stunning components and engaging mechanics, it’s a perfect addition to family game nights and a great strategy game for both kids and adults.

Introduction to Santorini

Game Overview

• Players: 2–4

• Ages: 8+

• Playtime: 15–20 minutes

• Publisher: Roxley Games

• Designer: Gordon Hamilton

Santorini is a pure strategy game with no elements of luck, making each decision critical. Players take on the roles of builders, aiming to construct buildings and outmaneuver their opponents to achieve victory as their builders reaches the third level of a structure. The game is well-made and durable, with sturdy components that are designed to withstand play without breaking.

Components

• 1 Island Board

• 1 Ocean Board

• 6 Builder Pawns (in three colors)

• 22 Level-1 Building Blocks

• 18 Level-2 Building Blocks

• 14 Level-3 Building Blocks

• 18 Domes

• 32 God Cards

• 4 Hero Cards

• 1 Rulebook

The builder pawns, referred to as characters or workers, are controlled by players to build structures and maneuver around the game board, adding depth and strategy to the gameplay.

The game’s components are designed to reflect the iconic architecture of Santorini, Greece, with bright white buildings and blue domes, enhancing the visual appeal and thematic immersion. The engaging and diverse content of the game appeals to both younger players in educational settings and hardcore gamers seeking more challenging experiences.

Basic Gameplay

In the basic game, each player controls two builder pawns. On a player’s turn, they perform two actions:

1. Move: Move one of their builders to an adjacent space (orthogonally or diagonally) that is unoccupied and not more than one level higher than the builder’s current position.

2. Build: Construct a building level on an adjacent space to the moved builder. Buildings can have up to three levels, and a dome is placed on top of a third-level building to complete it.

The objective is to achieve winning by being the first player to move one of their builders onto the third level of a building. This straightforward goal masks the game’s deep strategic possibilities, as players must anticipate opponents’ moves and plan several steps ahead. The game's replayability is enhanced by the inclusion of different God power cards, which introduce variety and adaptability in each gameplay session, ensuring that every playthrough remains engaging and fun for players of all ages.

Gameplay Mechanics

The gameplay mechanics of Santorini are straightforward yet challenging. Each turn consists of two steps: Move and Build. Players can move their builder pawn to a neighboring space on the same level, step up to a higher level, or step down to a lower level. The Build step involves constructing a building level adjacent to the builder moved. The game requires players to think strategically and plan ahead, as the goal is to be the first player to get one of their builders to the third level. The basic game is easy to learn, but the addition of god powers and hero powers adds a new layer of complexity, making it a great strategy game for experienced players. These powers can dramatically alter the flow of the game, ensuring that no two games are ever the same.

God Powers and Hero Powers

To add variety and complexity, Santorini includes God Cards and Hero Cards that grant players unique abilities, introducing variable player powers to the game.

• God Powers: These cards provide powerful abilities that can alter fundamental rules of movement and building. For example, the God Card “Pan” allows a player to win not only by reaching the third level but also by moving down two or more levels in a single move.

• Hero Powers: Introduced in expansions like the “Golden Fleece,” Hero Cards offer one-time abilities that can be used strategically during the game. These powers add another layer of tactical decision-making, as players must choose the optimal moment to utilize their hero’s ability.

The inclusion of these powers significantly increases the game’s replayability, as different combinations of powers can lead to varied gameplay experiences. The game features a number of god and hero powers, each adding to the strategic depth and catering to both beginners and hardcore gamers.

Santorini 2nd Edition

The Santorini 2nd Edition builds upon the original game by refining components and expanding the roster of powers. It includes 40 thematic god and hero powers, offering even more options for players to explore. The updated edition maintains the core mechanics while enhancing the game’s depth and variety.

Players who purchased the second edition have appreciated the improvements and additional powers.

Strategic Depth and Accessibility

Santorini is lauded for its balance between accessibility and strategic depth. The rules are simple enough for children to grasp, making it an excellent strategy board game for kids. At the same time, the game's depth ensures that hardcore gamers will find it challenging and engaging.

The game's design encourages players to think critically about spatial relationships, anticipate opponents' moves, and adapt their strategies dynamically. This makes it a valuable tool in educational settings, such as elementary school classrooms, to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Themes and Atmosphere

Santorini’s theme and atmosphere are inspired by the beautiful Greek island of the same name. The game’s components, including the building pieces and board, are designed to resemble the island’s iconic architecture. The game’s abstract nature and focus on strategy create a unique and immersive atmosphere, perfect for players who enjoy a challenge. With its quick gameplay and high replayability factor, Santorini is an excellent choice for players who want to explore different strategies and playstyles. The visual appeal of the game, combined with its strategic depth, makes it a standout in any board game collection.

Replayability and Variability

With the combination of basic gameplay and the vast array of god and hero powers, Santorini offers immense replayability. Each game can present a new challenge, as different powers interact in unique ways, requiring players to adapt their strategies accordingly.

The game’s quick setup and short playtime make it ideal for multiple plays in a single session, allowing players to explore various power combinations and strategies. Santorini is a quick game, making it perfect for families and children to enjoy short gaming sessions without feeling overwhelmed.

Comparison to Other Games

Santorini is often compared to other abstract strategy games, such as Azul and Carcassonne. However, its unique blend of building mechanics and variable player powers sets it apart from other games in the genre. The game’s simplicity and depth make it an excellent choice for players who enjoy games like Chess or Go, but with a more modern twist. With its high replayability factor and quick gameplay, Santorini is a great addition to any game collection, offering a fun and challenging experience for players of all ages. The game’s ability to combine easy-to-learn rules with profound strategic possibilities makes it a favorite among both casual players and hardcore gamers.

Digital Versions

Santorini has been released in various digital formats, including mobile and PC versions. The digital versions offer the same gameplay and features as the physical game, with the added convenience of being able to play against AI opponents or online against other players. The digital versions are a great way for players to learn the game and practice their strategies before playing with friends or family. With its simple rules and deep gameplay depth, Santorini is an excellent choice for players who want to enjoy a great strategy game on-the-go. Whether played physically or digitally, Santorini is a game that is sure to provide hours of fun and challenging gameplay for players of all ages and skill levels. The digital adaptations ensure that the strategic excitement of Santorini is always within reach, no matter where you are.

Community Reception

Players and reviewers alike have praised Santorini for its elegant design and engaging gameplay. One reviewer noted, “So simple to learn but so deep in strategy. Can be played on many different levels and the ‘special’ powers just add variety to the game.”

The game’s visual appeal, tactile components, and strategic depth have made it a favorite among both casual players and dedicated board gamers. Positive reviews from customers highlight the game's strategic depth and visual appeal, emphasizing its enjoyment across different age groups and skill levels.

Educational and Family Value

Beyond entertainment, Santorini serves as an educational tool that fosters critical thinking, spatial reasoning, and strategic planning. Its suitability for players aged 8 and up makes it a valuable addition to family game nights, providing an opportunity for children and adults to engage in meaningful, strategic play together.

The game is particularly enjoyed during family gatherings in December, January, and March.

Conclusion

Santorini stands out as a remarkable strategy board game that combines simple rules with profound strategic possibilities, exceeding players' expectations. Its beautiful components, engaging mechanics, and high replayability make it a must-have for families, educators, and gaming enthusiasts alike.

Players often express satisfaction with their purchase of Santorini, highlighting the quality and enjoyment they experience.

Whether you’re introducing children to strategic gameplay or seeking a quick yet challenging