What’s In The Box?
Skyrise includes gameplay pieces for up to four players. The gameboard features a built-in scoring system and a designated play area. Depending on whether you choose the collector's or standard edition, the game comes with 4 island pieces, 4 player trackers, 4 player cards, 4 sets of numbered bidding tokens (or structures), and a variety of objective cards to keep the game engaging. The collector's edition enhances the experience with detailed 3D versions of the island pieces, player trackers, and structures, as well as layered player cards and sleek gold-foiled objective cards.
Gameplay
Skyrise is a competitive bidding board game set in a steampunk future where your main goal is to end the game with the most points. Points can be earned in various ways, primarily by outbidding your opponents. At the start of the game, each player selects a character/color, which does not affect gameplay abilities but provides unique bidding structures. These structures have distinct numbers that do not repeat across the four colors.
Each turn begins with a bidding war. A player starts by placing a bid on either the center island or adjacent to one of their previously built structures. Subsequent players can either place a higher bid or pass. The bidding continues until all players concede, leaving the highest bidder to build their structure and claim that neighborhood. Upon claiming a neighborhood, players receive a token, which can be a colored token for bonuses or a multiplier token for end-game points based on the number of tokens collected.
Points are also earned by completing objective cards, which change each game, and fulfilling secret objectives that vary each game as well.
Skyrise is played in two eras. In the first era, players have access to a limited number of bidding structures. The era ends when any player uses all their available structures, at which point points are tallied to reveal the current standings. In the second era, all remaining structures are unlocked. The first player to use all their bidding structures in this era receives a key to the city, earning a significant point bonus.
In essence, Skyrise is about strategically bidding for neighborhoods, requiring players to think several steps ahead. With secret objectives and personal goals, the game induces a sense of slight paranoia, adding to the overall intensity and enjoyment.
Feedback
Skyrise is developed so well that it feels complete, without needing any improvements. It's replayable, fun, intense, and easy to clean up afterward. The creators clearly thought out every detail, making Skyrise exactly what they envisioned. There are no rules that make the game unbalanced or unfair. It's a competitive game based on your own wits. Congratulations, Skyrise!
Verdict
Skyrise, oh Skyrise, this game looked so intimidating when setting it up and reading the rules. However, if you see this game or have a chance to play it, don’t let that scare you away because this game has brought one of the most rewarding board game experiences as of recently. There are a lot of board games that seem like they’re going to be rewarding because of the massive setup but end up being lack luster or entirely too much, not Skyrise. Any collector, or general board game enjoyer should get Skyrise, whether its the standard or collectors edition, Skyrise is awesome. This far into the year, I think I’ve found my board game of the year.
