Underwater Cities

About this board game

Welcome to the intriguing world of Underwater Cities, a strategic board game that will plunge you into an underwater world where you are tasked with developing the cities of the future. This compelling game is set in the not-so-distant future, where land resources are nearing depletion and the key to humanity’s survival lies beneath the ocean waves.

In Underwater Cities, each player represents a corporation with a mandate to build the best and most efficient underwater metropolis. Over the course of the game, you will be utilizing your cards and actions to construct city domes, tunnels, laboratories, desalination plants, and more. The core mechanics of the game are a unique blend of card play and worker placement, creating an engaging and challenging experience.

What truly sets Underwater Cities apart is its deep strategic gameplay and immersive theme. Players are required to carefully manage their resources, plan their actions, and adapt to the unfolding game state. Furthermore, the game’s theme is not just painted on top, but intrinsically intertwined with its mechanics. Building your underwater city isn’t just an abstract puzzle; it feels like a glimpse into the future.

Gameplay is organized into ten rounds, each consisting of three turns for each player. The game’s core mechanics include:

1. Card Play: At the start of each turn, you play a card from your hand and place one of your three available action tiles on the three main action spaces on the game board that match the color of the card.
2. Worker Placement: Once a card is played and an action tile is placed, you perform the actions. These include construction, upgrades, farming, and more.
3. Resource Management: Resources such as steelplast, biomatter, and kelp must be managed carefully to build and sustain your underwater city.
4. City Development: Construct city domes, tunnels and buildings on your personal player board, connecting them for efficiency and scoring points.

Underwater Cities is unique in its integration of card play, worker placement, and city building. Hand management is critical, and the timing of when to play a card can be just as important as what card to play. The worker placement mechanic is also innovative, as the action spaces are not simply blocked, but can be used by other players at a cost. This opens up a wide range of strategic possibilities and player interactions.

With a game time of about 40 minutes per player, Underwater Cities offers a deeply satisfying and immersive gaming experience that will have you coming back time and time again. So, dive in and let the underwater adventure begin!