A weighty 19th-century industrial-empire builder along Montreal's historic canal.
Who it's for
Fans of heavy economic engine-builders who enjoy long, meaty sessions with real production chains and want a fresh historical setting beyond the usual Euro themes.
Not for you if…
You want a game under two hours or prefer lighter, more improvisational strategy games – this one rewards careful upfront planning over quick reactions.
Vibe's take
Dense and deliberate – production chains take real planning to set up, turns reward players who think several moves ahead, and a full game is a long, satisfying economic marathon rather than a quick session.
Set along Montreal's historic Lachine Canal in the 19th century, The Smoky Valley puts you in charge of turning the Griffintown district into an industrial powerhouse. You'll build and upgrade factories, transform raw goods into finished products, and ship them out for profit, all while investing in the neighborhood's broader growth. A shared push to complete the Victoria Bridge brings players together for bonuses, even though only one investor walks away with the grandest legacy.
Get it
Players
Duration
120–200 min
Ages 14+
Complexity
Published
2025