Skyline Analysis: Distinctive and Engaging Bidding Board Game
In the world of board games, Skyrise stands out as an "ultra-smooth intro-to-area-control game" that offers a unique blend of simplicity and strategy. Published by Roxley Games in 2024, this steam-punk themed game has quickly become a favourite among players who enjoy a more laid-back gaming experience.
At its core, Skyrise is an auction/bidding game where players compete to build their real estate empires. Each player starts their turn by rolling three dice, which they then use to select two areas on the game board where they want to exert influence, and use the third die to determine the number of troops (or units) they can place in those areas.
Players must carefully allocate their limited troops across the map, balancing offence and defence, and exerting control over key regions is essential for scoring points or disrupting opponents’ plans. Decisions such as which regions to target and how many troops to commit involve risk assessment, especially in competitive play with other players vying for the same areas.
While Skyrise is designed to be accessible, it also offers enough depth for strategic play through its dice-based mechanics and potential card interactions. Some descriptions mention the use of tactic cards that allow players to bend or modify rules, or gain situational advantages, though it is not explicitly confirmed these are a core part of Skyrise in all available references.
Skyrise's art and design are illustrated in a painting-style design depicting a steam-punk-esque future where cities are built on floating islands. The game is beautifully illustrated and decently packed, with a fair number of cards, a cut-out element, a big playing board, professional illustrations, and 50 wooden building tokens.
The game can be played with 2-4 players, and the rules are adjusted for each player count. Skyrise's Value For Money rating is 4/5, making it a great value game. The game's difficulty rating is 2/5, as it has a simple underlying mechanic but some nuances regarding scoring.
One potential drawback is the game's replayability, which is somewhat limited. While the game remains fun for multiple plays, the lack of mission variety and the repetition of certain elements can make playthroughs feel less novel. However, the home-brew rule option called Quick Mode, where players must bid within 5 seconds after the first bid is placed, or they automatically withdraw from the auction, adds an exciting twist to the gameplay.
Overall, Skyrise is an excellent game, especially for players who like board games without a million sub-rules and conditions. It is available worldwide and across multiple stores and platforms, with prices varying, but an average of 60-70 USD. For those who enjoy relatively laid-back games, with a simplified auction mechanism, and a steam-punk theme, Skyrise is definitely worth a try.
If you're seeking a new addition to your home-and-garden of board games, Skyrise offers an engaging lifestyle experience that combines simplicity and strategy. At its core, it's an auction game where you compete to build your real estate empire, set in a steam-punk themed world of floating islands.
