Pan Am (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Pan Am is a board game released in 2020, designed by Prospero Hall and published by Funko Games. The game is set in the golden age of aviation, where players take on the role of entrepreneurs trying to build the most successful airline company.

Game Components of Pan Am

Main gameboard

Token supplies of money

Pan Am route markers

Dice

Extra planes

Destination and Directive cards

Player boards

Engineer pawns

Airport towers

Route bonus chart

Pan Am stock tracker

How To Setup Pan Am

To set up Pan Am, place the main gameboard in the middle of the play area. Distribute the token supplies, Pan Am route markers, and extra planes accordingly. Shuffle and place the Destination and Directive card decks face-down on designated areas of the board. Each player starts with 3 planes, 5 Airports, Engineers based on player count, 2 Destination cards, 1 Directive card, and $12.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Event Phase: An Event card is revealed, affecting gameplay and Pan Am’s expansion.

Engineer Phase: Players place their Engineers in various bidding tracks and work sites such as Airports, Destination cards, Planes, Routes, and Directive cards.

Resolution Phase: Players perform actions based on where their Engineers were placed, resolving these actions in a predetermined order.

Pan Am Phase: Pan Am expands based on the Event card and die rolls, buying out player routes and adjusting player income and stock holdings.

Objective: The game is played over seven rounds, with the player holding the most Pan Am stock at the end declared the winner.

Player Experience

Players experience a blend of strategic planning and tactical execution. The game requires managing resources, bidding for prime positions, and optimizing route claims to maximize income and stock acquisition. The dynamic expansion of Pan Am adds an element of unpredictability, as players must balance holding lucrative routes with the inevitability of Pan Am’s takeover.

Pros

Thematic Integrity: The game captures the essence of the golden age of air travel with its art and components.

Strategic Depth: Combines worker placement, bidding, and resource management for a engaging gameplay experience.

Replayability: Event cards and the Pan Am expansion mechanism ensure high replayability.

Accessible Complexity: The game is relatively light to medium in weight, making it accessible to new players while still offering strategic depth.

Cons

Limited Interaction: Some players may find the opportunities for direct competition and sabotage limited.

Color Scheme: The muted color choices for planes and components could be improved for better visual appeal.

Route Complexity: Claiming routes can be the most confusing aspect of the game, requiring careful management of Destination cards and landing rights.

Personal Thoughts on Pan Am

Pan Am is ideal for fans of worker placement games and those interested in strategic planning and resource management. It is particularly appealing to aviation enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates the theme of the golden age of air travel. While it may not offer the brutal competitive maneuvers of some other strategy games, it provides a well-balanced and engaging experience that is both fun and challenging. With its mid-weight complexity, Pan Am is suitable for both casual and experienced board game players.

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