Salton Sea is a demanding and tense Eurogame.
The game stands out in several ways, starting with its contemporary and original theme, centered on geothermal exploitation. This theme is firmly integrated into the mechanics: everything makes sense: drilling, extracting, processing, repairing, selling resources, and even concluding contracts. The actions you perform take on a concrete and thematic dimension, which reinforces the immersion.
Another major asset: its ingenious dual-use card system. These serve as both currency to fund your actions and powerful actions to trigger. Each turn, you’ll have to make difficult choices. Since money is very limited, the game requires careful planning and constant optimization. A single miscalculated decision can have significant consequences for the rest of the game. The game is very punishing, which may put some players off. Here, your neurons will be firing: Salton Sea is a real strategic puzzle.
This requirement translates into a steep learning curve, with a high risk of analysis paralysis. Players will have to anticipate everything and plan everything over several turns to maximize the effectiveness of their actions.
Production-wise, the material is of good quality. The sleek, pastel-toned design won’t appeal to everyone, but it does have the merit of readability. The compact box is well-stocked. On the other hand, the maintenance phase, particularly managing the card market, can be a bit tedious due to the numerous manipulations of small cards.
In short , Salton Sea is a challenging, rewarding, and cerebral management game designed for an audience of expert players and those who enjoy strategic challenges. Its dual-use card mechanics, original theme, and depth make it a memorable title. But its difficulty, punishing nature, and density will make it a game reserved for the most seasoned players.