Pessoa is a board game released in 2022, designed by Marina Costa and illustrated by PYTHAGORAS. It is a card game that can be played by 1-4 players, with a runtime of 45-75 minutes and is suitable for ages 10 and up. The game includes mechanisms such as end game bonuses, hand management, set collection, variable player powers, and worker placement.
Game Components of Pessoa
Game Board: A sizable hexagonal board composed of puzzle pieces depicting four physical locations (two Cafés, a Bookshop, and Lisbon’s famous Rossio Square) and a central dial representing Pessoa’s mind.Meeple: Each player has a heteronym meeple and a black meeple for controlling Pessoa.Cards: Bearing astrological symbols and various actions.Creative Energy Tokens: The game’s currency.Heteronym Boards: Asymmetric boards for each heteronym with different scoring and mechanics.Mensagem Cards: Endgame objective cards.
How To Setup Pessoa
Setting up Pessoa involves assembling the hexagonal board, distributing the heteronym boards, and assigning the starting Creative Energy tokens. Each player chooses a heteronym and places their meeple on the board. The central dial is set to mark the beginning of the game period.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Worker Placement: Players place their heteronym meeples in various locations to perform actions.Control of Pessoa: Players can control Pessoa himself using the black meeple, allowing unrestricted movement but costing Creative Energy.Enter Pessoa’s Mind: Heteronyms can enter Pessoa’s mind to take actions without moving him physically.Astrological Symbols: Aligning cards with the astrological symbols on Pessoa’s mind dial can grant bonuses.Creative Energy Management: Players need to manage their Creative Energy carefully, as it is limited and can be regained through resting or discarding cards.Endgame Objectives: Players aim to inspire Pessoa’s final works and fulfill their unique endgame objectives through the Mensagem cards.
Player Experience
In Pessoa, players immerse themselves in the intricate world of Fernando Pessoa’s multiple personas. The game is engaging due to its tight economy and the need for strategic planning. Players must balance their actions between controlling Pessoa and managing their heteronyms, all while navigating the metaphysical and physical realms of the game.
Pros
Thematic Depth: The game deeply explores the life and works of Fernando Pessoa, making it a unique experience.Asymmetric Gameplay: Each heteronym has distinct mechanics, adding variety and replayability.Strategic Complexity: The game requires careful planning and resource management.-engaging Mechanics: The combination of worker placement, resource management, and astrological symbols adds layers of complexity and fun.
Cons
Steep Learning Curve: The game can be confusing at first due to its complex mechanisms and unique theme.Limited Actions: Players have only twelve actions throughout the game, making each decision crucial.Tight Economy: Managing Creative Energy is challenging and can be frustrating.
Personal Thoughts on Pessoa
Pessoa is a game tailored for those who appreciate complex, thematic gameplay and are interested in the life of Fernando Pessoa. It is ideal for experienced board game players who enjoy strategic depth and unique mechanics. However, due to its complexity, it may not be the best fit for casual or new board game enthusiasts. The game’s tight economy and limited actions ensure that every decision is meaningful, making it a rewarding experience for those who delve into it.
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