Jerusalem (2010) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Jerusalem is a board game that was released in 2010 and is designed by Guido Favaro and Eva Villa. The game is set in medieval times and focuses on area majority, auction/bidding, open drafting, and worker placement mechanics. Players take on the roles of influential city leaders in Jerusalem, competing to gain control of various districts and buildings in the city.

Game Components of Jerusalem

Player boards

Resource tokens (stone, bread, fish)

Denarii (coins)

Follower tokens

Apostle cards

Parable tiles

Offering tokens

Illumination tiles

Sanhedrin tracker

Mahane and XXXIII A.D. cards

Favor tokens

How To Setup Jerusalem

Setting up Jerusalem involves several steps. Players start by placing their followers into the three main resource gathering locations. Cards are arranged in the top market and favors area, while tiles representing parables are laid out along the bottom. The Sanhedrin tracker acts as the game clock and is placed on the right side. The 12 Apostles and the starting layout for the Last Supper are positioned in the middle. Each player sets up their own player board with a Warehouse area for storing resources and followers.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Play Card: Players play one card from their hand per turn.

Visit Apostle: If criteria are met, players can visit an apostle and gain benefits.

Buy New Card: Players can purchase a new card to build their deck.

Resource Collection: Gather stone, bread, fish, and coins.

Follower Placement: Place followers at the Last Supper, with costs based on proximity to Jesus.

Offering Tokens: Use followers to claim offering tokens, which block warehouse space but reward endgame points.

Apostle Placement: Assign apostles to seats based on collected icons.

Sanhedrin Tracker: Advance the game timer with each Sanhedrin symbol played.

Game Objective: Score points by collecting parables, placing followers and apostles strategically, and managing offerings and illumination tiles.

Player Experience

In Jerusalem: Anno Domini, players are immersed in a intricate game of resource management and strategic placement. The game is characterized by its multi-use cards, deck-building mechanics, and the challenging area-control scoring around the Last Supper. Players must balance their warehouse space, manage resources, and strategically place followers and apostles to maximize their score. The game’s theme, centered around the Last Supper and the events leading up to it, adds a unique layer of depth and engagement.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers complex resource management and area control mechanics.

Unique Theme: The Biblical theme sets it apart from other strategy games.

Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and varied card combinations ensure high replayability.

Engaging Gameplay: Cascading effects and interim scoring rounds keep the game engaging.

Cons

Complex Setup: Setup can be lengthy and requires careful arrangement.

Steep Learning Curve: The game’s mechanics and rules can be overwhelming for new players.

Time Commitment: Games can be quite long, requiring a significant time investment.

Personal Thoughts on Jerusalem

Jerusalem: Anno Domini is a game tailored for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex strategy and resource management. The unique theme and intricate mechanics make it stand out, but it may not be the best fit for casual players due to its complexity and time requirement. It is ideal for players who appreciate deep strategic games and are willing to invest the time to learn and master its mechanics.

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