Cities USA
Cities USA at your next game night?
Add Cities USA to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
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- Designer Steve Finn , Phil Walker-Harding
- Publisher Devir
- Illustration Kwanchai Moriya
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
You play an urban planner placing skyscrapers, bridges and green spaces to shape an American metropolis. The game mixes Tile Placement, Pattern Building and Set Collection: gather resources, connect roads and place buildings to score. Each placement affects future opportunities, and variable set-up keeps each game fresh. The publisher describes this as an independent version that retains the predecessor's essence while adding new mechanics.
Who Is This Game For?
Aimed at experienced families and hobby gamers (age 10+); it requires planning and strategic thinking. With a 60-minute playtime it's suitable for an evening session and appeals to players who want a compact but strategic city-builder. Solo play is available (1 player) and it supports up to 4 players.
How It Works
Core mechanics include Contracts, Open Drafting, Pattern Building and Worker Placement. Players draft actions or options openly, fulfill contracts and place tiles/buildings to form patterns and complete sets. Variable setup changes elements between games. Worker Placement introduces competition for action spaces while Tile Placement shapes the city's scoring potential.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Phil Walker-Harding and Steve Finn, Cities USA adds features like skyscrapers, bridges and highways to a city-building framework. The mix of Open Drafting with Pattern Building distinguishes it within the City Building category. Family affiliation 'Country: USA' highlights the North American urban theme.
Pro
- Blend of Tile Placement and Worker Placement offers tactical depth
- Open Drafting creates direct player interaction
- Variable set-up increases replayability
- Supports 1–4 players for flexible group sizes
Contra
- Requires forward planning; not instantly pick-up-and-play
- Mechanic complexity can lengthen the first playthrough
- Less suited for players wanting very short casual sessions
Setting & atmosphere
You plan and build a modern American city: skyscrapers, bridges, waterfronts and green spaces are central. The theme comes from the publisher's description and centers on contemporary urban development.
Tips for beginners
Use your first game to learn how pattern and set building score; focus on placement fundamentals and drafting choices.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Yes. The game supports solo play (players.min = 1).
How long does a game really take?
Official duration is 60 minutes; expect longer sessions while learning the rules.
What prior experience do I need?
Some experience with strategic euro-style or city-building games helps due to Worker Placement and Pattern Building.
How does this compare to similar games?
According to the publisher, it keeps the essence of its predecessor but adds new mechanics like skyscrapers and bridges; Open Drafting plus Worker Placement shape its identity.
Is this suitable for families?
With min_age = 10 it can work for families with older children and some gaming experience.
What mechanic makes it special?
The interplay of Open Drafting, Pattern Building and Tile Placement defines the core experience.
Fazit
Recommended for players who enjoy strategic city-building with drafting and worker-placement; best when you want a focused 60-minute game. Not ideal for those seeking very short or purely casual family games.
Cities USA at your next game night?
Add Cities USA to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Cities USA to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
