Olympos (2011) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Olympos is a strategic board game designed by Philippe Keyaerts and published by Hobby Japan in in 2011. The game is set in ancient Greece, where players take on the roles of Greek gods competing for dominance over the mythical land. With a mix of area control, set collection, and territory building mechanics, Olympos offers a unique gaming experience for 2 to 5 players.

Game Components of Olympos

Game board

Player boards

Resource tokens

Building and technology cards

Prestige (victory) points tokens

Various other tokens and markers for tracking progress

How To Setup Olympos

To set up Olympos, each player selects a player board and places it within reach. The main game board is placed in the center of the playing area. Resource tokens, building and technology cards, and prestige points are distributed according to the game’s rules. Each player starts with a set of basic resources and a starting hand of cards. The game also involves setting up the various tracks and areas on the board, such as the technology tree and the building construction area.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Resource Management: Players collect and manage resources to build structures and advance technologies.

Card Drafting: Players draft building and technology cards to enhance their civilization.

Area Control: Players compete to control spaces on the board to gain resources and prestige.

Engine-Building: Players build up their civilization’s capabilities over the game.

Game Objective

The objective of Olympos is to collect as many prestige (victory) points as possible. Players achieve this by building structures, advancing technologies, and controlling key areas on the board. The game offers a broad variety of scoring options, allowing players to choose different strategies to accumulate prestige points.

Player Experience

Playing Olympos is a engaging and strategic experience. Players must balance resource collection, card drafting, and area control to build a thriving civilization. The game requires forward planning and adaptability, as players need to adjust their strategies based on the cards and resources available to them. The game’s duration allows for a deep and satisfying experience without feeling overly long.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers a rich strategic experience with multiple pathways to victory.

High Replayability: The mix of card drafting and variable player powers ensures each game is unique.

Balanced Mechanics: Resource management, card drafting, and area control are well-integrated mechanics.

Attractive Components: The game features well-designed boards and cards.

Cons

Complexity: May be overwhelming for new players due to the multiple mechanics and strategies involved.

Setup Time: Setting up the game can take a bit of time due to the numerous components.

Length: While the game duration is reasonable, it may not be suitable for those looking for quick games.

Personal Thoughts on Olympos

Olympos is ideal for players who enjoy civilization-building and strategy games. It is particularly suited for those who like games with depth and replayability. However, it may not be the best choice for casual or new players due to its complexity and setup time. For experienced gamers looking for a challenging and engaging experience, Olympos is definitely worth considering.

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