Santa Cruz
- Designer Marcel-André Casasola Merkle
- Publisher Filosofia Éditions , Giochi Uniti , Hans im Glück , Lautapelit.fi
- Illustration Michael Menzel
Track your results with Playnexi
Add this game to your collection and track sessions, scores, and statistics.
Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Santa Cruz, players explore three islands with hidden tiles representing buildings like houses, churches, and lighthouses. You play cards to move or score specific building types and resources, all while managing the risk of a volcanic eruption that can destroy constructions. The game is played in two separate rounds, allowing you to learn from your first attempts and improve your strategy in the second.
Who Is This Game For?
Santa Cruz targets hobby gamers and families with some gaming experience, suitable for ages 8 and up. With a playtime around 45 minutes and 2 to 4 players, it fits well into a typical game night. Beginners may need some patience due to the tactical hand management and scoring mechanics.
How It Works
Players start with a hand of travel and scoring cards. On their turn, they either play a travel card to explore and place buildings on the island or a scoring card to earn points based on buildings, resources or game conditions. Movement is point-to-point on the board, and hidden tiles add exploration elements. After the first round, the board resets, encouraging players to refine their approach in round two.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Marcel-André Casasola Merkle, Santa Cruz won the 2012 Spiel der Spiele Game of the Year and was recommended for Spiel des Jahres 2012. It uniquely blends hand management, connections, and score-and-reset mechanics within a volcanic island theme. It belongs to the 'Islands: Madeira' family, offering a dynamic two-round gameplay experience.
Awards
2012
2012
Pro
- Winner of Spiel der Spiele 2012
- Key mechanics: Hand Management and Connections
- Two independent rounds with reset and learning effect
- Approximately 45 minutes playtime fits short sessions
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Less suitable for families with younger children due to complexity
- Randomness from hidden tiles and volcano eruptions can be frustrating
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set on the island of Santa Cruz, centered around an active volcano. Players develop a colony by constructing various buildings while managing resources and volcanic threats.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus early on exploring the island and use the second round to improve your strategy based on the first round's outcome.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Santa Cruz is designed for 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 45 minutes, suitable for short to medium game sessions.
What prior experience do I need?
It is a hobby-level game requiring some experience with tactical hand management.
How does this compare to similar games?
Santa Cruz combines connections and score-and-reset mechanics with a unique volcano theme and two separate rounds.
Is this suitable for families?
Recommended for ages 8 and up, suitable for families with some gaming experience but may be complex for younger children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of hand management with score-and-reset and connections mechanics adds strategic depth.
Fazit
Santa Cruz is a solid choice for fans of tactical hand management and exploration games. Its short duration and volcano mechanic add variety, though newcomers should allow time to grasp the rules.
