What if playing a board game wasn’t just about strategy, but about uncovering the rules themselves? That’s the challenge posed by City of Six Moons, a groundbreaking solitaire board game created by Amabel Holland. In this game, understanding the mechanics isn’t handed to you on a silver platter—you have to decipher them, piece by piece, through an alien language. Let’s dive into what makes this game so uniquely captivating.
A Spark of Inspiration: Translating the Unknown
The concept for City of Six Moons was born from Holland’s encounter with a German board game she found at a thrift store. Without an English translation, she relied on the game’s symbols and her intuition to interpret its mechanics. This experience became the seed for her own creation—a game where players navigate the process of translation as the central mechanic.
The Gameplay: Rules Written in the Stars
When you open City of Six Moons, you’ll find components and a rulebook adorned with alien symbols. Your mission? Decode the meaning behind these symbols to figure out how to play.
But here’s the twist: the game offers no confirmation of “correct” answers. Holland intentionally left the rules ambiguous to mirror the imperfections inherent in real-world translation. As she succinctly puts it, “We will never answer any rules questions.” This design invites players into a space of interpretation, encouraging creativity and persistence.
Why Players Are Hooked
Though unconventional, City of Six Moons has garnered a passionate following. Some players have spent over 20 hours translating its alien language, driven by the thrill of discovery. It’s not just a game—it’s a puzzle, an intellectual adventure, and a testament to the human fascination with the unknown.
Not everyone loves the concept, of course. For some, the high-concept approach can feel esoteric. But for those who embrace the challenge, it’s an unforgettable experience.
Amabel Holland: A Designer Who Pushes Boundaries
Holland is no stranger to bold, thought-provoking designs. Known for politically charged titles like This Guilty Land (about the fight to end slavery) and Doubt is Our Product (focused on corporate disinformation), she often uses games as a medium to explore complex themes. With City of Six Moons, she shifts the focus to communication itself, questioning how we create meaning when the rules aren’t clear.
Frequently Asked Questions About City of Six Moons
1. What is City of Six Moons?
It’s a solitaire board game where players decode an alien language to understand and play the game.
2. Who designed the game?
Amabel Holland, celebrated for her experimental and politically themed board games.
3. Do the rules come with translations?
No. Players must interpret the symbols on their own, as part of the gameplay experience.
4. How long does it take to translate the game?
The time varies, but many players report spending over 20 hours decoding the symbols.
5. Where can I buy it?
The game is available on the Hollandspiele website and select retailers.
6. Can I replay it after translating the rules?
Absolutely! Once you’ve cracked the code, the game becomes fully replayable.
Why City of Six Moons Matters
In an era where games often come with polished tutorials and clear-cut rules, City of Six Moons stands apart. It invites players into an uncharted territory of exploration and understanding, forcing them to engage with ambiguity and interpret meaning on their own terms.
Whether you’re a puzzle lover, a language enthusiast, or just someone looking for an unforgettable tabletop experience, City of Six Moons offers a journey that’s as much about discovery as it is about play.
Sources Polygon
