California board game
by Gary Sonnenberg
(Waukesha, WI)
California Guests
California
Board game manufacturer:
Überplay
Number of players:
2-5
Ages:
10yrs+
Time:
60 mins
Quick verdict
California presents some interesting choices and give you several ways to win. It’s therefore a winner of a game.
The game and gameplay
Renovation may not be the first thing you think about when California is mentioned, but that theme still makes for an interesting board game.
You have 12 days in California to create the best-looking mansion and collect the most gifts from visitors you attract to it, to win the game.On your turn, you can either take a coin from the bank or a tile from the storefront. Tiles are either carpeting in various colors or furnishings to upgrade your dwelling. You carpet a room for either one or two coins as shown on your board.
Once carpeted, a space can additionally hold one of the special items of the same (background) color. You also have an attic which can be used for storage.
Taking a tile costs the number of coins left in the bank. Thus, when you take a coin from the bank, you’ve made the tiles less expensive for everyone else.
When you furnish a room, the guest of that color pays a visit. You take the corresponding guest and place him or her near your home. When an opponent furnishes a room using that color, the guest will leave you place and visit your neighbor. If you can entice the guest to return, he or she will bring a valuable gift along.
If you can carpet and furnish your mansion to match one or more of the bonus tiles – carpet patterns or certain combinations of furnishings – you’ll score additional points.
A round ends when the bank is empty or one of the double rows of tiles is gone. There are 3 rounds, thus the 12 days.
At the end of the 12th day, you score points for each renovated room in your mansion, as well as each bonus tile and gift you have collected.
If you have any unpaid loans, you’ll subtract points for each. The difference is your final score, and highest score wins.
Pros and cons
California plays quite differently with different numbers of players. You must adjust your strategy accordingly.
The components are good quality, so they should last a good, long time, and the artwork is appealing.
It’s got a very unusual theme, which makes the game stand out from the crowd of strategy board games out there.
It’s priced really well (Check Price).
The verdict
If you’re into theme and like to imagine yourself in the lap of luxury, the California board game just might be your cup of tea – or champagne.
If you’ve played California, please leave a rating and comments using the link below.