City of the Great Machine
- Designer German Tikhomirov
- Publisher CrowD Games , Czacha Games , MINDOK , Moroz Dev Studio
- Illustration Maya Kurkhuli , Anna Laryushina , Nikolai Mitrukhin , Nadezhda Penkrat
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players engage in a conflict between the Great Machine, an AI controlling a mobile city, and a team of Heroes trying to spark a revolution. The game features secret movement, resource management, and a modular board allowing varied city layouts. The asymmetrical gameplay creates tension as the Great Machine aims to perfect humanity while Heroes seek to incite riots.
Who Is This Game For?
This game targets experienced and expert players aged 14 and up who enjoy cooperative and asymmetrical strategy games. With a 90-minute playtime, it fits well into a game night while requiring patience and strategic planning. The solo mode also offers a challenging experience for single players.
How It Works
City of the Great Machine uses Action Queue and Hidden Movement mechanics, where Heroes secretly choose districts to move to each round. The modular board enables dynamic city layouts that can be repositioned during play. Both sides spend resources—Trust for Heroes and Bonds for the Great Machine—to perform actions and move. Victory conditions differ: Heroes need three riots, while the Great Machine completes its Master Plan.
What Makes It Special
Designed by German Tikhomirov and nominated for the 2023 Geek Media Awards Best Russian Development, the game combines cooperative play, asymmetrical conflict, and hidden movement. Its steampunk theme and modular board provide unique, replayable scenarios.
Awards
- 2023 Geek Media Awards Best Russian Development — Nominated
Pro
- Asymmetrical gameplay with unique win conditions
- Modular board for high replayability
- Hidden movement adds tension
- Includes solo mode
Contra
- Relatively long playtime around 90 minutes
- Complexity demands strategic thinking and patience
- Recommended for ages 14 and up, not suitable for younger children
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in a technocratic Victorian steampunk world, the game features a mobile city in the sky where the Great Machine seeks human perfection while Heroes incite rebellion.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on understanding hidden movement and resource management mechanics before exploring advanced strategies.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, City of the Great Machine includes a solo mode for one player.
How long does a game really take?
A game lasts about 90 minutes, plus setup time for the modular board.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is complex, suited for experienced and expert players familiar with cooperative and asymmetrical games.
How does this compare to similar games?
Its mix of hidden movement, asymmetrical conflict, and modular board makes it unique in the steampunk genre.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to complexity and age recommendation of 14+, it is better suited for experienced players than families with younger children.
What mechanic makes it special?
Hidden Movement combined with Action Queue and a modular board shapes the gameplay experience.
Fazit
City of the Great Machine is recommended for players seeking complex asymmetrical cooperative games in a sci-fi setting. Fans of hidden movement and strategic depth will find it rewarding.
