Great Fire of Chicago 1871:
Can you save the windy city... or just watch it burn?
This is a game in development The game is scheduled for a 2027 release.
In 1871 a fire started at the O'Leary Barn swept through and destroyed the heart of the great city of Chicago.
In this game players both manipulate and move the fire and at the same time try to contain it and defeat it, protecting their own properties and goods and hidden secret objectives.
Can you save the windy city... or just watch it burn?
This game is from the same publisher as The Great Fire of London 1666.
The game uses the same core mechanics as Great Fire of London - wind cards move the fire, Action points move the fire fighters and put out the fire. Players have hidden locations to protect.
What is new? Its a totally new board based on the City of Chicago in 1871. Objectives are historically important locations in Chicago. Art will be 19th century American in style. New mechanics include:- A representation of the alarm mechanism in city
- A representation of the attempt to get people and possessions across the river.
Gameplay:
The players are folk of wealth and standing who own property around Chicago. They can use the fire brigadesto fight the fire, use demolitions to destroy blocks of housing to prevent the fire flowing or turn a blind eye and allow the fire to spread and damage rival’s property. Victory can belong to the player with the most property left but putting out fires can give you a boost. In addition each player will have several hidden objectives which might include helping another player or protecting parts of the city.
A cutting edge fire alarm system which failed on the night of the fire is simulated as well as an attempt to get goods to ships on the river and away from the city.
Players 3-6, duration 75 to 90 minutes
Players both move the fire and then attempt to contain it:
The game board is a map of Chicago at the time of the Great Fire. How much can you save?
Or will you watch it burn?
Game board (Not final art):
