Pact (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Pact is a fantasy-themed board game released in 2019, designed by Javier González Cava and illustrated by Irongames. The game revolves around players forming pacts with different creatures to gain power and control over the land. With a runtime of 30-45 minutes and suitable for players aged 10 and above, Pact offers a semi-cooperative gameplay experience with set collection mechanics.

Game Components of Pact

Goblin cards with unique skills

Task cards representing various events and challenges

Icons corresponding to goblin skills

Player tableaus

Neutral player (Helix and Ferdix) cards for solo mode

How To Setup Pact

To set up **Pact**, each player starts with a personal tableau. In the multiplayer mode, players draw a starting hand of goblin cards. For solo play, the player competes against two neutral players, Helix and Ferdix, who have their own tableaus. The task cards are placed in a central market, and each player or neutral player starts with a set of goblin cards based on the mode of play.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Set Collection: Players collect goblin cards with unique skills.

Semi-Cooperative: Players can form pacts by using each other’s goblin cards.

Task Completion: Fulfilling task card prerequisites using goblin skills.

Game Objective

Complete task cards to earn victory points.

In solo mode, compete against Helix and Ferdix to maximize points.

The player or clan with the most victory points at the end of the game wins.

Player Experience

In **Pact**, players navigate a dynamic environment where cooperation and strategic borrowing of goblin cards are crucial. The game can feel cutthroat as players can use each other’s goblins without consent, adding a layer of strategy and social interaction. In solo mode, the player must manage the tableaus of Helix and Ferdix, which can become tedious but maintains the core mechanism of forming pacts.

Pros

Engaging Artwork: The game features delightful and thematic artwork.

Novel Mechanism: The ability to form pacts and use other players’ goblin cards adds a unique twist.

Versatile Play: Supports 1-5 players, including a robust solo mode.

Casual yet Strategic: A balance between randomness and strategic decision-making.

Cons

Tedious Solo Mode: Managing the neutral players’ tableaus can become cumbersome.

Randomness: The game has a healthy amount of randomness, which may not appeal to all players.

Busywork: Solo mode can feel like mere card accounting rather than a engaging experience.

Personal Thoughts on Pact

**Pact** is ideal for those who enjoy set collection and semi-cooperative games with a touch of social interaction. It makes a great palate cleanser for a game evening or an introduction to board gaming due to its casual yet engaging gameplay. However, for solo players seeking a more streamlined experience, **Pact** might not be the best fit due to the administrative workload involved in managing the neutral players’ tableaus.

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