Santorini Review - with Zee Garcia

[@TheDarkever]

Santorini may really be the BEST board game I own... and I own a lot! The rules complexity is minimal, and yet it has a depth that can almost rival chess. and a variety of situations that is nearly endless. Every game is different, every hero matchup works in a completely different way that any other and requires both players to find a different strategy to deal with the opponent's power... Santorini is simply MINDBLOWING. And I've never ever even played with the Golden Fleece mode, which creates something even different! If you even remotely like chess, buy Santorini base game, buy the Golden Fleece expansion, print or acquire the ten or so promo cards, and you'll have a game that will probably never become boring or old. Santorini is THAT good.

[@bagookster]

I received my Kickstarter copy the other day and my husband and I can't stop playing it. We were both surprised by how much we enjoy Santorini. Plays quick, so much variability, beautiful art and components.... etc. ❤

[@RobGThai]

Santorini really surprise me. I thought it was gonna be fun and easy game that could get people in. It does that and much more. The concept sounds super basic but the interaction between two players and two workers giving the game the depth that get people into thinking. Another thing that I love is because it's almost has no contextual limitation, it give everyone clean slate to imagine how to win and play. Love it.

[@Heelms]

Great review! Can't wait for my box! Happy to see Zee giving out Seal of Excellence now!

[@homelessjoe]

Been hoping for this review. Thanks Zee

[@madifinley7018]

Great review. I broke this out on my brother since he LOVES Onitama and we played it for about an hour. Before we were finished playing he asked if he could get the game. I ordered a copy for him. Beautiful, easy to learn, fun, fun, fun.

[@searose6192]

It looks so beautiful. Also I love that the abstract strategy isn’t so...dry and counterintuitive. This seems rich and inviting!

[@lylejackson645]

This is one I've been keeping an eye on. Great to hear you liked it so much Zee! Makes me even more excited to try it!

[@tbspaceship]

I watched you play this against tom in the lets play and for some reason I still watched this review...Anyway, great review zee! Definitely putting this game on my wishlist.

[@JeffreyQProductions]

Backed this. Played it for two hours tonight. Perfect.

[@Shad0wSix]

If you want to see how this awesome game is played, check out Tom VS Zee abstract challenge video on 22 Dec. They played Santorini around the 56min mark.

[@geographist2000]

Backed this one... waiting for it in the mail... cannot wait!!!

[@jeffrainwater4084]

I agree Zee. My 8 year old and I have been playing it this week nonstop. This game is awesome! Needs to make some "top" lists for sure! They put a lot into this game and it's got everything going for it. One of the top games of the year by a mile in my opinion!

[@weezerang]

I completely agree with you, Zee. This turned out to be a phenomenal game and it looks great on the table. I constantly have people stop to ask what we were playing. Because of the god powers, I feel like I'm playing a different game each time I play. Excellent!!

[@alanbiggs2132]

Even though it's a two player game at its core, we had a ton of fun playing the four player variant over the Christmas break. Wasn't fair to leave anyone out while just two people played - literally had 8 to 84 year olds all enjoying it together! Truly a game for everyone.

[@Fissi0nChips]

Cool, I kickstarted this. Waiting for my copy now which is on the way. I figured this would be a game Zee liked.

[@jkledis]

I am excited to get this game - Thanks for the review!

[@johnr8095]

Kickstarted this. Just got it two days ago. Great production value. Looks fun.im not a huge abstract fan, but in truth, the chrome makes it seem less abstract.

[@dragonmyst000]

I got my copy through kickstarter and have to say it is a blast to play either 2 or 3 people. Well worth the cost....

[@JamieMaltmanTube]

I almost brought my Zeus copy on the cruise. Should have. I'm not really a big abstract fan, but this one is fantastic and my kids love it too.

[@PressEnter42]

So glad I backed this game. It came in yesterday. Can't wait to play it at Christmas party :p

[@jeffgoggin]

lucky!

[@HarukoZ001]

I don't back many games on Kickstarter, but I did back this one and have no regrets! We love this game, and we haven't even played very much with the god powers yet.

[@ToadInTheWoods]

The Drive Thru Review guy, Joel Eddy, raved about this in his top 10 of the year, and I just blind preordered it after I watched that, with no further research. I don't usually do that sort of thing. Reassured, actually, to hear you like it too.

[@nickleonard6296]

ToadInTheWoods I am eagerly awaiting my KS version. I'm sure it will be fantastic, no need to worry!

[@tommygrahn1516]

Looking forward for a retail copy in Sweden😊Can't wait to get my hands on this on

[@Power-Mad]

Dangit Zee, my wallet is hurting after the holidays and now I need to pre order this. It looks so good, I need a new fast and easy to teach abstract to go along side Onitama. One recommendation on your review though, Golden Fleece is an expansion sold separately and should be mentioned separately. I know it came with the kickstarter version, but you should tell people if it's worth getting as if it was a different product.

[@JugglingMike]

According to the Kickstarter page, the Golden Fleece expansion is only included in the kickstarter boxes and is sold seperately from the retail package.

[@paulsaxberg6399]

This is true but for a limited time, pre-orders still include the Golden Fleece. (It's also at what we feel is a reasonable price point if purchased separately).

[@rbaynosa]

how will we know if the pre orders include the expansion or not.

[@paulsaxberg6399]

If you're ordering from the Kickstarter page, they will. It will come physically inside the box you are shipped.

[@rbaynosa]

thanks for the reply. if im getting from online stores such as csi , that have it on pre order, then i will not get the expansion. am i right?

[@paulsaxberg6399]

The expansion is sold separately at the retail level, but the games are otherwise the same.

[@drago987]

Just grabbed this game at Marshall’s for $12. Glad to see it’s a winner.

[@PlayingInColour]

So glad I kickstarted this! Wonder if this will be on your top 10 list for 2017

[@리아앤제시]

Your explanation is great!!

[@quickaswink]

This game really looks interesting. I love the player vs player concept. It's almost chess-like

[@fearanarchy]

I think this would have at least made honorable mention for "Best of 2016", hope it gets something in 2017 as that is the retail release

[@paulsaxberg6399]

Thanks! Santorini is a 2017 release, we had a limited number of advance copies to send to reviewers ahead of time.

[@searose6192]

“This is another ‘level’ to the whole thing” so punny!

[@searose6192]

My copy didn’t come with that nice surrounding piece around the island :( too bad.

[@TheDarkever]

The sea base is in the expansion, which is totally worth buying even just for the tons of additional Gods and Heroes. The sea is just an eye candy, although an excellent one ;)

[@CloudBuilderMetba]

Hey Zee, would this game have made your top ten for the year if you were able to review it in time?

[@ZeeGarc]

Joshua Davis This is technically a 2017 release, so no. However, it might show up on next year's list!

[@Felewin]

This is a very solid game and a very solid video.

[@drseater]

bought this yesterday at Walmart for $7.00 in the clearance isle, so I came to watch this review to see if I got a good buy

[@Pennywise326]

jcolumbia me too!

[@JD-ro5lf]

So did I 😂

[@rrocketman]

Might have to get this one👍

[@JulianAncestral]

hopefully I´m getting my copy of the game next week here in Spain...Cheers

[@bitspersecond2006]

I played this several times over the last two weeks. Best part was that the rules were simple enough that I entrapped my kids into playing with me, mwah haha! The only downside is that I do think Roxley needs a faq to clarify a bit more how some of the god powers work. Some of them are open to a little bit of interpretation. Other than that, love it!

[@Charris2007]

My Santorini board game doesn’t have the sea board and the booklet with rules in English.

[@TheDarkever]

The sea base is in the expansion, which is totally worth buying even just for the tons of additional Gods and Heroes. The sea is just an eye candy, although an excellent one ;)

[@premmisseth]

I'm bit late but I just bought the game and seeing here I've noticed my package of the game doesn't include this 2D cardboard with island and the sea drawn on the bottom. Anybody knows why is that so? Did they exclude it in later copies of the game?

[@TheDarkever]

The sea base is in the expansion, which is totally worth buying even just for the tons of additional Gods and Heroes. The sea is just an eye candy, although an excellent one ;)

[@FunkyTao72]

Couldn't tell from the review, did you like the game?

[@fearanarchy]

Colin Nordstrom: #Sarcasm??

[@FunkyTao72]

just a little. awesome game.

[@dkiprijanovski]

Since he says he'd give it a seal of excellence that means - yes . I've watched the live play of this game yesterday - he and Tom enjoyed this game :D Cheers!

[@killerreviewscom]

Colin Nordström Your comment cracked me up. He was about to have sex with the box.

[@jasminvomwalde7497]

Sounds like Torres.

[@Drashia08]

I played with 6 players, still very solid

[@MrKnightlore]

Picking up my copy later or tomorrow based on this review....£50 in the UK.. ouch!

[@hermanpesina6328]

are there any type of sleeves available for the cards of the game?

[@GinDragon]

Calgary represent!

[@mihneacateanu3808]

Since the publishers seem to be active here in the comments section I'll drop a question here. Since it a KS project, will it have wide release in Europe? And if it will, a time estimate?

[@paulsaxberg6399]

European distributors are able to stock it, yes. I would ask at your FLGS whether they have planned to order any, or if they will for you.

[@StinkyWizleteets]

Is that base Kickstarter only?

[@narutosan1377]

I bet Zee's favorite god is Dionysus the god of wine and theater.

[@christophersmith8316]

Naruto San Or Hastius, the god of short, obscure board games

[@stephanberger3476]

Don't know the original but if you can see that the pieces are literally buildings, how is it still abstract?

[@carlatate7678]

The pieces are literally plastic cubes with a dome on top. The gameplay is abstract.

[@way9689]

those eyes...the abyss stares back

[@KayLoveBX]

Can you build onto someone else's block?

[@cadiboy04]

is this out of print??? I can't find it at FLGS

[@LegoAssassin098]

This is pretty late, but it's coming back to kickstarter on April 11th

[@robotkarel]

there are not an android versión?

[@DeMaximVB]

No mention of the ridiculous high price point for what is essentially just a very simple abstract?

[@nahailyenvanakkor]

It doesn't look riciculous to me at all, not the Kickstarter version anyways (includes the expansion). Of course the main reason for its price point is the production value, but I definitely wouldn't call it "just a very simple abstract", it seem to offer so much more than that.

[@paulsaxberg6399]

It's true this price point is not for everybody! We took a fair number of pledges for the Print & Play files, and love seeing people's homebrewed versions on social media and BGG.

[@TheRoosterJuice]

Kamaitatchi the game features more value than most $50 games, due to the amount of content you can explore. You will likely not experience this whole game even if you play it a lot. Value is not merely a function of rules complexity, is it?

[@DeMaximVB]

I played the online, older version when the Kickstarter was running to see whether or not I'd like it. Two basic games to test out the rules, then another three games to test out some of the god cards visible on the Kickstarter page. We had fun, yes. Afterwards though we never even felt slightly inclined to play again. Now I’m a big sucker for good components. It’s what attracted me to the Kickstarter in the first place. Would I have found the game more fun after playing with this fancy version? Yes, I would’ve. My brother, who I played with, doesn’t care about components. He should have loved this game since it’s easy to pick up and play without losing depth. He didn’t. Two days later he requested to play Hive instead. I’m the person in our game group that spends the most time on board game media. I buy most of our games. When people see a new game on the shelves then they ask me for some info and whether or not I recommend it. For this MSRP, I can’t recommend Santorini. 50 bucks for a game that will not hit the table all that often? 50 bucks for a showpiece? I’d much rather recommend Hive to them. Sure, this won’t hit the table all that often either. But for under 15 bucks that’s a lot more acceptable. And Hive also has gorgeous components. Is the person in question a fervent abstract player, will these games hit the table a lot for him/her? Then I’d rather recommend Tash-Kalar for 25 bucks. Again, good components (though indeed a lot less awesome than Hive or Santorini) but awesome gameplay. Right now I only feel comfortable with recommending Santorini as a gift for people that have fond memories of playing Chess when they were younger. These people want a showpiece. Santorini, permanently set up to look as if you’re mid-game, occupying a corner of the living room… They want a game that’s easy to pick up, play and quickly get over with. Sadly enough these people are likely to not appreciate the best of the game; the God cards. But hey, it’s Christmas. I could gift it. Still a lot of money but then it’s well spent. About value in rules complexity. Like I said, I’m the one in our group with the biggest collection. So I often bring my games and teaching them falls to me. So I greatly care about games that are easy to explain, games that are easy to grok. And Santorini is great for this. About the value in replayability. In today’s market replayability is overrated. People like the idea of it but have so many games that it doesn’t matter. My games have a hard time getting 5 plays. That’s sad, but unavoidable without culling a lot of other great games that I don’t want to part with. But let’s assume the 50 bucks goes to replayability and is not due to overproduced components… That’s even worse then. That means you’re asking 50 bucks for playtesting 30 God cards. You’re already reimplementing an existing ruleset so you can’t count that. The other 25 cards are reserved for the Golden Fleece expansion. Can’t count them towards base game cost then. So let me repeat. If variability is your answer, then you’re telling us 30 cards is worth 50 bucks. I’d like to point you towards Marco Polo. They had an expansion as well with new characters, a new city tile, new mechanics and more content. For this tremendous amount of extra reliability (in a vastly more complex game, thus requiring more taxing playtesting) they charge you 5 bucks. Let’s look at Hive. Per insect tile expansion they charge you under 5 bucks. The pocket version even includes two of them for free.

[@DeMaximVB]

TL;DR - Santorini is too expensive for what it is and is almost certainly so due to being overproduced. It makes a good gift (to give or to receive) but the hobby is already expensive enough that this price point will keep it off many shelves. People that do want to scratch that abstract itch have a lot of very good, cheaper alternatives.

[@alexstrang9823]

always loved the game....but hated the box art so much I put off buying it for a long time

[@PandoraMakesGames]

I wrote an AI for this game. It ended up being very strong.

[@dhirajpallin2572]

The Climbers is a better game right

[@shanecybowicz1077]

This game seems to come with a hefty price tag of £45-£50. From what i've seen it doesn't seem that you get THAT much game for your buck. Is this overpriced or am I being a cheapskate?

[@Dusty-Zafu]

Why not just play chess...?

[@Baronbl0d]

Looked fun until the cards came up...

[@Crs9072]

Game seems fine, but the art makes this look like a generic stupid app game from iPhone. Why did they have to go for this look!?

[@246trinitrotoluene]

The game is amazing. The colours are attractive and really pop. Since the game is an abstract, you don't need a "realistic" greek mythology look (say like Cyclades). It looks great, plays great, I would highly recommend it.

[@padgyorkton8590]

So ugly compared to the initial minimalist version the designer released a few years earlier. 😵