Imagine you are a building contractor in turn-of-the-century New York. Steam is rising from the manhole covers, the streets are full of horse-drawn carriages, newspaper vendors and ambitious businessmen – and right in the middle of it all: you, with the goal of constructing one of the most famous buildings in the world. This is exactly what the new board game Flatiron from Pegasus Spiele is all about. An exciting duel for 1-2 players that requires strategy, planning and a good sense of timing.
What can you expect at Flatiron?
In Flatiron, everything revolves around the construction of the famous Flatiron Building, which stands in its triangular shape in the middle of Manhattan. You either compete against another player or in solo mode against an AI-supported construction company. The aim is to build floor after floor and collect more victory points than your opponent.
It’s not just about building. You have to comply with regulations, keep an eye on your reputation and skillfully use cards to lead your construction company to success. Sounds complex? But it’s not – at least not in the frustrating way. Flatiron offers just the right mix of strategic depth and accessible gameplay.
How it works
At the heart of Flatiron is your personal tableau, which you expand as the game progresses. To do this, you buy cards that allow you to perform new actions. You can either place them on the streets around the building or place them in specific columns to activate their effects. The better you combine your cards, the more efficiently your construction company will run.
The whole thing feels a bit like an urban worker placement mechanism with tableau building. You plan, move, combine and optimize – and constantly have to keep an eye on what your opponent is doing.
There are also various bonus mechanisms: For example, if you build columns in a particularly clever way or complete certain construction phases, you will receive extra points. The press also plays a role – with targeted public relations work, you can improve your reputation and gain additional advantages.
Solo or in pairs?
Flatiron works excellently with two players – the pace of the game is comfortable, there is hardly any downtime and every move you make feels important. But solo players also get their money’s worth. The solo mode is well thought out, challenging and brings a whole new dynamic to the game.
Whether you prefer to compete against each other or take your time to perfect your own building strategy, Flatiron delivers a powerful experience for both modes.
Equipment & design
The design is also a real eye-catcher. Brazilian illustrator Weberson Santiago, who already caused a stir with the game “Kelp”, has given Flatiron a charming and detailed look. The cards have a high-quality design, the building elements are lovingly illustrated and the overall look of the game transports you directly to New York in 1902.
The game also has a great feel to it: sturdy game boards, well-designed cards and a roof element that heralds the end of the game – there is a lot of attention to detail.
Who is Flatiron suitable for?
Flatiron is aimed at players aged 10 and over. The rules are not overly complicated, but tactically challenging enough to keep even frequent players happy. If you enjoy clever combos, strategic planning and a nice two-player game, you should definitely take a look at Flatiron.
Even as a solo game, it offers a great opportunity to immerse yourself in another time and put your tactical skills to the test.
Our conclusion: lots of charm, lots of strategy
Flatiron is a real highlight for anyone who likes board games with a historical setting and clever mechanics. It is strategic, but not overloaded. Accessible, but not banal. And above all: it’s fun – round after round.
If you fancy taking on the role of a New York builder and constructing the Flatiron Building with your own hands, then grab this game. Pegasus has created a small but nice duel that is sure to end up on your gaming table more often.
