Pathogen (2022) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Pathogen is an abstract strategy board game released in 2022 by Kolor Deep Studio. Designed by Kuan Chen and featuring artwork by Yu-Cin, HUANG, Pathogen is a game that combines elements of medical themes and territory building in a unique and engaging way. With a focus on grid movement, modular boards, and network building, Pathogen offers players a challenging and strategic gameplay experience.

Game Components of Pathogen

3×3 Game boards x8

Movement panel x1

Character meeples x2 (Doctor and Plague)

Follower meeples x2 (Demon and Dove)

Influence tokens x56 (2 colors)

Settlement markers x8 (2 colors)

Movement marker x1

Rulebook x1 (English, Japanese, Chinese).

How To Setup Pathogen

To set up Pathogen, players need to arrange the 3×3 game boards to form a larger map, consisting of white tiles representing the world of humanity and black tiles for the underworld. Each player selects their character pawn (Doctor or Plague) and follower meeple (Demon or Dove). The movement panel and influence tokens are also prepared. The game starts with each player placing their character and follower meeples on designated starting points on the map.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Key Mechanics:

Movement Panel: Players place tokens on the movement panel to determine the movement of their character meeples.

Token Placement: Players move their character meeples according to the movement panel and place influence tokens on the squares they pass through.

Settlements: Influence tokens can be stacked to form settlements, which are crucial for winning.

Asymmetric Play: The game features asymmetric abilities, such as the blue player’s ability to rotate the movement panel.

Game Objective:

Connect two opposing sides of the map with influence tokens.

Build four settlements (stacks of 4 or 5 influence tokens) in the four quadrants of the map.

Player Experience

Pathogen offers a unique and challenging experience, blending strategic movement and territory control. Players must coordinate their character and follower meeples to effectively place influence tokens and block their opponent’s progress. The game’s abstract nature and asymmetric elements add layers of complexity, making it engaging andrequiring careful planning.

Pros

Engaging Strategy: Requires deep strategic thinking and planning.

Asymmetric Play: Adds a layer of complexity and replayability.

Short Playtime: Games typically last between 15 to 30 minutes, making it a great fit for shorter game sessions.

Thematic Depth: The contrast between the Doctor and the Plague creates an interesting narrative.

Cons

Learning Curve: The movement panel and asymmetric abilities can be confusing at first.

Limited Player Count: Designed for only two players, which might limit its appeal for larger groups.

Complex Setup: The initial setup of the boards and tokens can be a bit tedious.

Personal Thoughts on Pathogen

Pathogen is ideal for fans of abstract strategy games who enjoy a good challenge and are looking for a game that can be played in a relatively short amount of time. The game’s unique mechanics and asymmetric play make it a compelling addition to any board game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a more straightforward or cooperative gameplay experience. For those who appreciate strategic depth and a touch of thematic intrigue, Pathogen is certainly worth exploring.

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