Palenque (2011) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Palenque is an abstract strategy board game that was released in in 2011. Designed by Chechu Nieto and published by Z-Man Games, the game is set in ancient times and focuses on territory building and area majority/influence mechanics. With a runtime of 60 minutes and suitable for players aged 10 and above, Palenque offers an engaging gameplay experience for 2 to 6 players.

Game Components of Palenque:

Game board

Player markers

Action tokens

Influence tokens

Score tokens

Reference cards

How To Setup Palenque:

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Distribute player markers and action tokens to each player.

Shuffle the influence tokens and place them face down on the designated area of the board.

Place score tokens nearby for easy access during gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective:

In Palenque, players use action points to move their markers around the grid-based board, strategically placing influence tokens to gain control of territories. The objective is to enclose territories with your influence tokens to earn score tokens and ultimately have the most points at the end of the game.

Player Experience:

Pros:

Engaging gameplay that requires strategic thinking and planning.

Easy to learn rules make it accessible for a wide range of players.

Encourages player interaction and competition for territory control.

Cons:

Limited player count may not be suitable for larger gaming groups.

Some players may find the abstract nature of the game less appealing.

Personal Thoughts on Palenque:

Palenque offers a unique blend of abstract strategy and territory building mechanics that make for an enjoyable gaming experience. The components are well-designed and the artwork by Z-Man Games adds to the overall theme of the game. While the game may not be for everyone, those who enjoy strategic gameplay with a historical twist will find Palenque to be a worthwhile addition to their collection.

In terms of pricing and availability, Palenque can be found both new and used online, with prices varying depending on the condition of the game. For those looking for alternatives or similar games, titles like Carcassonne and Terra Mystica offer similar territory building mechanics. Overall, Palenque is definitely worth your time if you enjoy abstract strategy games and are looking for a challenging and rewarding gaming experience. It is recommended for players who appreciate deep strategy and are willing to invest time in mastering its gameplay mechanics. Players who prefer more luck-based or light-hearted games may want to skip Palenque in favor of other options.

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