Pessoa (2022) Board Game
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 depicting Lisbon and Pessoa’s mind
– Heteronym cards (Alberto Caeiro, Ricardo Reis, Álvaro de Campos, and Bernardo Soares)
– Pessoa meeple (black)
– Heteronym meeples
– Creative Energy tokens
– Astrological symbol cards
– Poem cards
– Bookshop and café tiles
– Rossio Square tiles
– Modules (asymmetry of heteronym boards and Mensagem endgame objective cards)
## How To Setup Pessoa
Setup involves assembling the hexagonal board, which includes four physical locations (two Cafés, a Bookshop, and Rossio Square) and a central dial representing Pessoa’s mind. Each player chooses a heteronym and places their meeple on the board. Players start with a set amount of Creative Energy and a hand of cards. The game includes historical notes in the rulebook to explain the theme and mechanics.
## Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
– **Worker Placement:** Players place their heteronyms in various locations to gain inspiration, visit bookshops, and write poems.
– **Hand Management:** Players manage their cards to align with astrological symbols for bonuses.
– **Creative Energy:** Players use Creative Energy to move and perform actions.
– **Modules:** Optional modules include asymmetric heteronym boards and Mensagem endgame objective cards.
– **Game Objective:** The goal is to score the most victory points by writing poems and fulfilling objectives.
## Player Experience
In Pessoa, players immerse themselves in the world of Fernando Pessoa, navigating both his physical and metaphysical spaces. Each player controls a different heteronym, moving between iconic locations in Lisbon and the poet’s mind to gather inspiration. The game offers a tactical experience, with players needing to manage their Creative Energy carefully and make strategic decisions about when to rest and when to act. The inclusion of historical notes and thematic elements adds depth and educational value.
### Pros
– **Thematic Depth:** The game provides a unique insight into the life and works of Fernando Pessoa.
– **Strategic Complexity:** The optional modules add layers of strategy, making the game appealing to experienced players.
– **Educational Value:** Players learn about Pessoa’s heteronyms and their significance.
– **Variability:** The game supports 1 to 4 players and includes modular components for different levels of complexity.
### Cons
– **Learning Curve:** The game may have a steep learning curve due to its unique mechanics and thematic elements.
– **Resource Management:** The tight economy of Creative Energy can make the game challenging, especially for new players.
– **Limited Actions:** Players have only 12 actions throughout the game, which can feel restrictive.
## Personal Thoughts on Pessoa
Pessoa is ideal for fans of literary history, particularly those interested in Fernando Pessoa and his works. It is also suited for players who enjoy strategic and thematic games with a strong educational component. The game’s unique blend of worker placement and hand management mechanics, along with its modular design, makes it a compelling choice for both casual and experienced gamers looking for a rich and engaging experience.
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