Pyramids (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Pyramids is a card game that was released in 2017 by designer Matthew Dunstan and Brett J. Gilbert. The game is published by Hobby Japan and falls under the ancient and card game categories. With a runtime of 30 minutes, Pyramids is designed for 2 to 5 players, with the best player count being between 3 to

The game is suitable for ages 10 and up and features open drafting and pattern building as its main mechanisms.

Game Components of Pyramids

Player boards: Each player has a board for building their pyramid.

Tiles: Five tiles are used to set up the game board, varying based on the number of players.

Cards: Representing stones in different colors (red, green, yellow, white, and blue) and special glyphs.

Obelisk pieces: Used for building obelisks.

Tomb cards: For scoring points based on color sets.

Glyphs: Special symbols that provide additional victory points.

How To Setup Pyramids

To set up **Pyramids**, players first lay out the five tiles, adjusting the configuration based on the number of players. Each player chooses a tile, which determines the order of card selection. Players then draw cards representing stones and start constructing their pyramids and tombs.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Set Collection: Players collect and arrange stones of different colors to build their pyramids.

Tile Placement: Tiles are used to determine player order and resource availability.

Card Drafting: Players select cards to add to their pyramids, tombs, or obelisks.

Building Obelisks and Tombs: Players construct obelisks and tombs to score victory points.

Glyph Placement: Special glyphs are placed in the pyramids to gain additional points.

Objective: The goal is to score the most victory points by building efficient pyramids, obelisks, and tombs, and collecting the right sets of colors.

Player Experience

**Pyramids** offers a surprisingly deep gaming experience despite its small size. Players must balance the need to go early in the round to secure valuable resources with the strategic planning of their pyramid and tomb construction. The game requires a mix of short-term decisions and long-term strategy, making it engaging and challenging.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Offers a rich strategic experience in a compact package.

Clear Iconography: The game’s icons and rules are straightforward and easy to understand.

Replayability: Different tile configurations and card draws ensure high replayability.

Short Playtime: Games typically last around 30-45 minutes.

Cons

Initial Complexity: The rules may seem complex at first, but they are quickly grasped.

Luck of the Draw: Card drafting can introduce an element of luck, affecting strategic plans.

Personal Thoughts on Pyramids

**Pyramids** is ideal for players who enjoy abstract strategy and set collection games. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate games that require careful planning and strategic decision-making but do not want to commit to lengthy game sessions. The game’s balance between luck and strategy makes it appealing to a wide range of players, from casual gamers to more experienced strategists.

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