Past Lives (1988) Board Game

Past Lives is a board game released in 1988 by The Avalon Hill Game Co. It is a game that combines elements of economic strategy, fantasy, and humor. Players take on the role of characters reincarnated throughout history, trying to accumulate the most wealth and knowledge in each of their lives.

Game Components of Past Lives

Game board

Player tokens

Event cards

Money tokens

Knowledge tokens

Dice

How To Setup Past Lives

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the event cards and place them face down on the designated area.

Each player chooses a token and places it on the starting space.

Give each player an equal amount of money and knowledge tokens.

Roll the dice to determine who goes first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Players take turns rolling the dice and moving their tokens around the board. Landing on different spaces triggers various events, such as gaining or losing money or knowledge. The objective is to have the most wealth and knowledge by the end of the game, which typically lasts around 60 minutes.

Player Experience

Pros:

Interesting theme of reincarnation and accumulating wealth and knowledge

Simple gameplay mechanics make it easy for players of all ages to understand

Strategic elements of deciding how to allocate resources and navigate the board

Cons:

Luck-based dice rolling can sometimes feel frustrating

Limited player interaction may not appeal to those looking for more competitive gameplay

Personal Thoughts on Past Lives

Past Lives is a unique and engaging board game that offers a fun twist on traditional economic strategy games. The concept of reincarnation adds a layer of depth to the gameplay, and the humorous elements make it enjoyable for players of all ages. The game is well-designed and provides a good balance of luck and strategy.

In terms of pricing and availability, Past Lives may be harder to find as it was released in in 1988. However, there are options to purchase used copies online. For those interested in similar games, alternatives like Settlers of Catan or Ticket to Ride offer similar strategic gameplay experiences.

Overall, Past Lives is definitely worth your time if you enjoy economic strategy games with a unique theme. It is suitable for players aged 8 and up, making it a great choice for family game nights. However, those looking for more competitive gameplay or intense player interaction may want to skip this one.

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