84

Underwater Cities is a worker placement game where players represent powerful minds establishing underwater civilizations to combat Earth's overpopulation. Players manage resources and cards to expand their network of underwater cities, constructing domes, tunnels, and buildings over 10 rounds in this strategic engine-building experience.

84

The Verdict

based on 26 reviews

Positive 0%
Mixed 0%
Clever card-to-action color-matching mechanism
Deep and satisfying engine-building
Tense and rewarding resource management
High strategic replayability
Uninspiring visual design and board aesthetics
Fiddly components and iconography
100
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Meeple Mountain, David McMillanArticle

The reviewer highly recommends Underwater Cities, awarding it a perfect score for its engaging worker placement, tableau, and engine-building gameplay that tasks players with creating thriving underwater civilizations.

100
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
I Slay the Dragon, FarmerLennyArticle

Underwater Cities is an engaging worker-placement and network-building game that successfully combines familiar mechanisms with tight, tense hand management and strategic depth.

95
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Mr-BoardgamesArticle

Vladimír Suchý's Underwater Cities is praised as an expert masterpiece that brilliantly combines worker placement with card-driven combos for an immersive underwater building experience, though some note the components and playtime could be improved.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
No Pun Included, Efka and Elaine (No Pun Included)Video

The review from No Pun Included examines Underwater Cities, highlighting its strategic depth and engaging card-action mechanics. It discusses the game's thematic elements and overall gameplay experience for fans of complex Eurogames.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Chairman of the Board, Chairman of the BoardVideo

The video offers a positive review of Underwater Cities, praising it as an excellent, highly replayable engine-building game with strong player interaction. The reviewer found the gameplay satisfying and engaging, despite some aesthetic reservations.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Tabletop Gaming Magazine, Chad WilkinsonArticle

Underwater Cities is an accessible yet satisfyingly deep worker placement and engine-building game. Despite some fiddly production phases, its clever card-matching mechanic and high replayability make it a modern tabletop triumph.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Dice vs Cards, BenjiVideo

The review discusses the core mechanics of network building, hand management, and worker placement, highlighting the strategic depth and varied gameplay, though noting potential pacing issues. Players balance card play with action space selection for synergy, developing their undersea cities for points.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Zen Of Design, Damion SchubertArticle

Underwater Cities is a standout medium-to-heavy worker placement game featuring a clever color-matching card mechanism that creates delightful tactical friction and brain-burning decisions.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Gaming Rules!, Stephen (Gaming Rules!)Video

This is a genuine review where Paul Grogan from Gaming Rules! shares his highly positive opinion on the physical board game Underwater Cities. He discusses various aspects like gameplay, components, and player count, including the solo mode, highlighting it as one of the best games he played that year.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
That Board Game ShowVideo

The reviewer expresses strong enjoyment for Underwater Cities, noting its engaging worker placement and engine-building mechanics, which are complemented by strategic card and action combinations.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Dice TreasuresVideo

This video from The Dice Treasures provides a brief review of the worker-placement board game Underwater Cities. It offers a quick look at the game, describing it as an amazing experience.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Rahdo Runs Through, Rahdo Runs ThroughVideo

This video provides Rahdo's final thoughts on the board game Underwater Cities, offering an in-depth analysis of its gameplay, mechanics, and his overall experience. It discusses the strategic elements and player interactions within the game.

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