PAX (2011) Board Game – Board Game Guys

PAX is a board game designed by Klemens Franz and published by Iron Games in in 2011. The game is set in ancient times and revolves around players building up their civilizations through area majority, influence, hand management, open drafting, and set collection mechanics. PAX is a strategic card game that challenges players to outwit their opponents and establish dominance in the ancient world.

Game Components of PAX

Cards: Hundreds of cards representing historical figures, enterprises, and technologies of the period.

Map: Depending on the game, it may include a map (e.g., PAX Pamir has a cloth map).

Pieces: Often represented by chess equivalents (e.g., Knights, Rooks, Bishops) in games like PAX Renaissance.

Tokens and Markers: For tracking revenue, prestige points, and other game-related elements.

How To Setup PAX

Setting up a PAX game involves preparing the central market of cards, distributing starting cards to players, and organizing the game board or map. Each player selects a starting role or faction, such as Hacendados in PAX Porfiriana or factions vying for control in PAX Pamir. The setup varies slightly depending on the specific title, but generally involves a random subset of the large deck of cards to ensure high replayability.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players draft cards from the central market to build their tableau.

Market Mechanisms: Players manipulate the power structure and economy through card plays.

Multiple Victory Conditions: Different paths to victory, such as Loyalty, Outrage, or Revolution, depending on the game.

Interactivity: High interactivity as players can disrupt opponents’ plans through various card actions.

Historical Depth: Games are deeply rooted in historical events and figures.

Player Experience

Playing a PAX game is akin to being in a dynamic, chaotic historical scenario where strategy and interaction are key. It’s not a calculated efficiency exercise but more of a bar fight with cards, where players constantly interfere with each other’s plans to achieve victory. Each game features a random subset of a large deck of cards, making every playthrough unique and unpredictable.

Pros

High Replayability: With a large deck of cards and random setup, each game is different.

Historical Learning: Games are designed to educate players about historical periods.

Deep Strategy: Multiple paths to victory and complex interactions.

Interactive: High player interaction keeps the game engaging.

Cons

Complexity: Games can be very complex and chaotic, which may deter casual players.

Learning Curve: Steep learning curve due to the depth of mechanics and historical context.

Time Commitment: Games can be long and require a significant time commitment.

Personal Thoughts on PAX

PAX games are for players who enjoy deep, interactive, and historically rich experiences. They are not for those seeking a simple, efficient game but rather for those who relish complex strategies and high player interaction. If you’re looking for a game that feels like a class on history as much as it is a game, then PAX series is an excellent choice. However, be prepared for a significant learning curve and a time commitment that matches the game’s complexity.

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