Pendulum (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Pendulum is a board game released in 2020 by Stonemaier Games. Designed by Travis P Jones and featuring artwork by Robert Leask, Pendulum is a unique blend of a card game and an economic strategy game. It is known for its innovative use of an action timer and simultaneous action selection mechanics.

Game Components of Pendulum

Quality Components: High-quality components, including cards, though not exceptional, and engaging art by Robert Leask.

Player Boards and Tokens: Each player receives a player board, ten resource tokens of each type, and unique Stratagem cards corresponding to their character.

Sand Timers: Three sand timers govern different areas of the board, dictating when actions can be taken.

Custom Game Pieces: Includes plastic worker meeples, which some reviewers found to be of lower quality compared to typical Stonemaier Games standards.

How To Setup Pendulum

Setup for Pendulum is relatively quick and straightforward. Each player receives ten cubes of each resource type (red, blue, yellow) and ten square lavender squares. They also get three small and two large meeples, along with their character’s Stratagem cards and starting resources. The sand timers are placed in their respective areas, and the first reward cards are revealed. Other cards are placed on the board according to their sections.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Real-Time Worker Placement: Players place workers and take actions simultaneously as sand timers run out, dictating the pace of the game.

Variable Player Powers: Each character has unique Stratagem cards and player mats, offering different abilities and strategies.

Resource Management: Players manage resources to move their scoring markers on the Power, Prestige, Popularity, and Legendary tracks.

Objective: The game ends after four rounds, and the player who has moved all four of their score markers to the parchment side of their tracks wins. If multiple players achieve this, tiebreakers determine the winner.

Player Experience

Playing Pendulum is a fast-paced experience with a unique blend of real-time and worker-placement mechanics. Players must balance their actions quickly as the sand timers dictate the flow of the game. The game feels intense, with minimal time to observe other players’ strategies, making it challenging to adapt mid-game. The solo variant, designed by the Automa Factory, is highly praised for its realistic simulation of other players.

Pros

Unique Real-Time Mechanic: Adds a fresh twist to traditional worker placement.

Impressive Solo Variant: The solo mode is well-designed and offers a challenging experience.

Engaging Art and Theme: The fantasy theme and art style help bring the game world to life.

Quick Setup: Setup is relatively painless and quick.

Cons

Component Quality Issues: The plastic worker meeples and vote tokens are of lower quality and can be problematic.

Chaos and Lack of Visibility: The real-time aspect can make it difficult to follow other players’ strategies, leading to a feeling of playing in silos.

Sand Timer Instability: The sand timers can be easily knocked over due to their tapered bases.

Repetitive Gameplay: Some players found the game to feel repetitive after a few plays.

Personal Thoughts on Pendulum

Pendulum is ideal for players who enjoy fast-paced, chaotic game environments. It is particularly suited for those who thrive on the pressure of real-time decision-making and can handle the intense action without needing to monitor other players’ strategies closely. The game’s unique mechanics make it a standout, but it may not be the best fit for players who prefer more strategic, turn-based gameplay or those who are easily frustrated by component quality issues. The solo mode is a significant bonus, making it a great option for solo gamers looking for a challenging experience.

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