Santorini Review

Intro

Santorini takes the ancient Greek island setting and turns it into one of the most elegant strategy games you'll find. Players control builders who move around a 5x5 grid, constructing towers and trying to reach the third level to win. What starts as a simple abstract game becomes endlessly replayable thanks to god powers that completely change how you approach each match.

This 2016 redesign works perfectly for 2 players, though it scales up to 4 when you want a busier board. Most games wrap up in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for quick strategic battles. With a BoardGameGeek rating of 7.35, it's earned solid respect in the community. The rules are straightforward enough for kids to grasp, but don't mistake simplicity for lack of depth.

How It Plays

Every turn follows the same two-step rhythm: move, then build. You pick one of your two builders and move them to an adjacent space. They can stay on the same level, climb up exactly one level, or drop down as many levels as needed. After moving, that same builder must construct a new level on any neighboring space.

Buildings grow from ground level to first floor, then second floor, and finally get capped with a blue dome on the third construction phase. Those domed spaces become off-limits forever, shrinking the playable area as the game progresses. Your goal is simple: get either of your builders onto a third-level building and you win instantly.

The basic game plays like high-stakes architectural chess. You're constantly weighing whether to build up toward victory or construct strategically to block your opponent. But the real magic happens when you add god powers. Each player gets a unique ability that breaks the standard rules in fascinating ways. Athena prevents opponents from climbing up. Demeter lets you build twice. Pan can win by dropping two levels instead of climbing to the third floor.

Setup involves one player selecting several god cards, then their opponent choosing which powers each player gets. This creates an interesting dynamic where you're picking from options your opponent thinks are roughly balanced.

Highlights

The three-dimensional building aspect makes Santorini feel completely different from typical board games. Watching the island grow taller and more complex over 20 minutes creates genuine tension. You can see victory paths forming and dissolving as new levels rise and domes cap off promising routes.

Those 40 different god powers deserve special praise. Rather than minor tweaks, these abilities fundamentally reshape your strategy. Playing as Artemis, who can move twice, feels nothing like controlling Hades, who can entomb opponent builders. The variety keeps the game fresh for dozens of plays.

The quick play time works perfectly with the strategic weight. Games build to climactic moments where one move determines everything, but you're never stuck in a boring, drawn-out endgame. Win or lose, you'll want to shuffle those god cards and go again.

Accessibility might be Santorini's greatest strength. The core rules take two minutes to explain, but the tactical possibilities run deep. It bridges that tricky gap between family-friendly and genuinely strategic, making it perfect for mixed groups.

The production quality adds to the experience without being flashy. The plastic buildings stack satisfyingly, and the wooden builders have a nice weight. Everything feels sturdy enough for regular play while looking attractive on the table.

Criticisms

Some god power combinations create frustrating imbalances despite the selection process. Certain matchups can feel predetermined, especially as you learn which abilities counter others effectively. The "balanced" selection phase doesn't always deliver balanced games, particularly when skill levels differ significantly between players.

The abstract nature won't appeal to everyone. Despite the gorgeous Greek mythology theming, you're ultimately moving pieces around a grid and stacking plastic blocks. Players who prefer rich narratives or complex systems might find Santorini too stripped down, even with god powers adding variety.

Analysis paralysis can slow down what should be a quick game. With only a few pieces and simple rules, every move feels crucial. Some players will agonize over each decision, turning that breezy 20-minute experience into a much longer affair. The tactical depth that makes Santorini great can also make it glacially slow with the wrong opponent.

Conclusion

Santorini succeeds because it respects your intelligence without overwhelming you with complexity. If you enjoy games where every decision matters, where you can learn the rules in minutes but spend months mastering the strategy, this belongs in your collection. It's particularly perfect for couples looking for a go-to two-player game that never gets stale.

The combination of elegant core mechanics and wildly variable god powers creates something special. Whether you're introducing strategy games to newcomers or looking for a quick tactical battle between heavier sessions, Santorini delivers. Just be prepared to play multiple rounds, because one game is never enough.