Improvement of the POLIS (2017) Board Game

Improvement of the POLIS is a board game released in 2017 by the Head Quarter Simulation Game Club. The game is designed for 2–4 players and has a runtime of 45–60 minutes. Improvement of the POLIS is set in ancient Greece and focuses on strategic decision-making and resource management.

Game Components of Improvement of the POLIS

Game Board: An 8-fold, double-layer main board featuring a map of ancient Greece.

Resource Tokens: Prestige, iron, wood, grapes, silver, and wheat.

Unit Tokens: Hoplites, galleys, and merchants.

Population Cubes: Representing the population of cities.

Project Cards: Providing additional prestige and resources.

Battle Cards: Used in combat resolutions.

Player Boards: For tracking resources and actions.

Dice: A four-sided die for siege resolutions.

How To Setup Improvement of the POLIS

To set up POLIS, players start by placing the main board in the middle of the table. Each player selects their faction, either Athens or Sparta, and receives their respective starting resources and unit tokens. Players also set up their player boards and resource tracks. The game includes eleven possible actions that players can take, which are outlined on their player boards. The setup is well-structured and intuitive, with player aids that ensure easy reference to the rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Resource Management: Manage resources like prestige, iron, wood, grapes, silver, and wheat to perform actions.

City Management: Spend resources to build projects, turn population cubes into units, and feed the population.

Military Actions: Move hoplites and galleys, lay siege to cities, and engage in battles.

Combat Resolution: Use battle cards to resolve conflicts when eight or more units are in the same region.

Objective: Achieve hegemony by controlling cities, managing resources, and gaining prestige. The player with the most prestige, combined with their population and completed projects, wins the game.

Player Experience

POLIS is known for its challenging and strategic gameplay. Players must balance resource management, city development, and military actions to succeed. The game is highly unforgiving, with mistakes in resource allocation or military strategy potentially leading to quick defeats. It requires repeated play to master, making it ideal for players who enjoy deep, complex games and are willing to invest time in learning and improving their strategies.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers a rich and complex gameplay experience with multiple layers of strategy.

Historical Context: Provides a unique perspective on the Peloponnesian War, blending history with gameplay.

Balanced Mechanics: The game features finely tuned mechanics, ensuring a balanced experience between Athens and Sparta.

Replayability: High replay value due to the complexity and variability of each game session.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve: Requires significant time to learn and master the game mechanics.

Unforgiving: Mistakes can lead to immediate defeat, which may be frustrating for new players.

Resource Intensive: Managing multiple resources and actions can be overwhelming.

Personal Thoughts on Improvement of the POLIS

POLIS is best suited for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy strategic, complex games. It is particularly appealing to those interested in historical themes and are willing to invest time in learning the game’s intricacies. The game’s balance and depth make it an excellent choice for players seeking a challenging and rewarding experience, especially those with a regular opponent for two-player games. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those looking for a quick, light-hearted experience.

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