After Pablo (2010) Board Game

After Pablo is a board game that was released in 2010 and designed by Mat Brinkman, Nate Hayden, and Wendy Weibert. The game falls under the categories of Economic, Fighting, and Mafia, with gameplay centered around area majority/influence and hand management mechanics. The game is set in the world of organized crime, where players take on the roles of rival crime bosses competing for control over the city.

Game Components of After Pablo

Cards: Representing various actions, events, and resources.

Coke Cubes: Tokens used for smuggling operations.

Transportation Modes: Different ways to cross the border.

Player Boards: For tracking individual cartel progress.

Border Track: A mechanism to manage smuggling attempts.

How To Setup After Pablo

To set up the game, players first select their cartel and receive starting resources and cards. Each player board is prepared according to the game’s rules, and the border track is initialized. The coke cubes are distributed, and players choose their initial transportation modes. The game is ready to start once all players have their components in place.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area Control: Players compete to control territories and smuggling routes.

Resource Management: Managing cards, resources, and coke cubes efficiently.

Transportation Management: Using various transportation modes to smuggle coke cubes across the border.

Objective: The goal is to establish and maintain a dominant cartel position by successfully smuggling coke cubes and managing resources effectively.

Player Experience

Playing **After Pablo** immerses players in the strategic and often ruthless world of cartel operations. The game requires a blend of short-term tactical decisions and long-term strategic planning. Players must navigate the risks and rewards of different transportation modes and manage their resources carefully to outmaneuver their opponents.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers complex and engaging gameplay.

Thematic Immersion: Strongly themed around the cartel era, providing a unique experience.

Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and variable player powers ensure high replay value.

Interactive: Players frequently interact and compete against each other.

Cons

Complexity: Can be daunting for new players due to intricate mechanics.

Theme Sensitivity: The game’s dark and realistic theme may not appeal to all players.

Length: Games can be lengthy, requiring a significant time commitment.

Personal Thoughts on After Pablo

**After Pablo** is for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex, thematic games with deep strategic layers. It is particularly suited for those interested in the historical context of the cartel wars and who do not mind the game’s mature and sometimes brutal theme. However, it may not be the best fit for casual players or those seeking a light, family-friendly game.

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