City of the Great Machine is a strategy game set in a dark, technocratic Victorian steampunk world. An artificial intelligence network known as the Great Machine faces off against an alliance of Heroes. The Great Machine can be played by one person or run automatically by the game itself, and that choice changes how the game plays.

The Great Machine

The Great Machine rules a City built on mobile platforms in the sky, commanding perfected Servants and mechanical Guards. Its aim is to put down social unrest and finish its Master Plan to perfect the human race.

The Heroes

The remaining players are Heroes working together to spark a revolution. They stir up discontent in the City, win over famous citizens, and incite riots, while trying to stop the Master Plan, which would lead to the enslavement of humanity.

Key Features

• Two ways to play: one-versus-many for 2-4 players, or cooperative and solo for 1-3 players
• Modular board allowing endless City layouts, with Districts that players can reposition during the game
• Hidden movement: each round, the Heroes secretly pick the Districts they will visit
• Resource management: Heroes spend Trust and the Great Machine spends Bonds on actions, movement, and other tasks
• Asymmetric play with unique victory conditions: the Heroes need 3 Riots to win, while the Great Machine must complete the Master Plan
• Secrecy: the Heroes may only discuss their plans while the Great Machine is present