Pan Am (2020) Board Game
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
– Game board featuring a map of North and South America, Asia, and Europe
– Engineer tokens (workers)
– Airport towers
– Aircraft models
– Destination cards
– Route cards
– Directive cards
– Event cards
– Pan Am stock certificates
– Money tokens
– Player boards
## How To Setup Pan Am
To set up Pan Am, players start by randomly selecting one Event card from each of the seven round decks, representing the seven decades of Pan Am’s operation. Each player begins with a set number of engineer tokens (workers), depending on the player count (e.g., 5 for a two-player game, 3 for a four-player game). Players also start with one Directive card, which is kept hidden. The board is set up with the Airport, Destinations, Hangars, Routes, and Directives areas marked. The Pan Am stock price tracker and the Route Bonus chart are also placed on the board.
## Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
– **Worker Placement**: Players place their engineer tokens in various areas on the board to perform actions such as acquiring airports, buying aircraft, claiming routes, and obtaining Directive cards.
– **Auctioning**: Some actions, like placing an airport or buying planes, are bid upon, where the highest bidder wins the action.
– **Event Phase**: At the start of each round, an Event card is revealed, affecting gameplay and dictating Pan Am’s expansion.
– **Resolution Phase**: Players resolve their actions, including claiming routes and selling routes to Pan Am.
– **Pan Am Phase**: Pan Am expands based on the Event card and die rolls, buying out routes from players.
– **Game Objective**: The goal is to accumulate the most Pan Am stock by the end of the game, which is achieved by selling routes to Pan Am and using the proceeds to buy stock.
## Player Experience
Playing Pan Am is a dynamic experience that blends strategic planning with tactical execution. Players must balance their efforts between expanding their airline’s operations and preparing for the inevitable absorption by Pan Am. The game features a mix of direct competition for resources and indirect competition as players aim to optimize their route holdings and stock purchases. The Event cards introduce variability and historical context, adding a layer of depth to the game.
### Pros
– **Engaging Theme**: The game captures the essence of the golden age of air travel.
– **Balanced Mechanics**: Worker placement, auctioning, and event-driven gameplay create a well-rounded experience.
– **High Replayability**: The random Event cards ensure each game is unique.
– **Accessible Complexity**: Easy to learn but with enough depth for strategic players.
– **Visual Appeal**: The midcentury modern aesthetic and clear information presentation make the game visually appealing.
### Cons
– **Route Complexity**: Claiming routes can be the most confusing aspect of the game, especially for new players.
– **Limited Direct Interaction**: While there is competition, opportunities for directly affecting other players’ plans are limited.
– **Stock Price Volatility**: The stock price can fluctuate significantly based on Event cards, which may not appeal to all players.
## Personal Thoughts on Pan Am
Pan Am is ideal for fans of worker placement and business-themed games who enjoy a blend of strategy and tactical decision-making. It is accessible enough for newer players but offers sufficient complexity to engage experienced gamers. The game’s theme and mechanics make it a great choice for those interested in the history of aviation and corporate expansion. With a playtime of about an hour, it fits well into a gaming session, providing a fun and competitive experience.
We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.
