Pax Porfiriana (2012) Board Game

Pax Porfiriana is a card game that takes place during the reign of Porfirio Díaz in Mexico, a period of political turmoil and economic growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Players take on the role of powerful factions vying for control of the country, using their cards to manipulate the market, influence politics, and build their wealth.

Game Components of Pax Porfiriana

~200 standard-size cards

Wooden cubes

Money chips

How To Setup Pax Porfiriana

To set up Pax Porfiriana, players start by preparing the central market with the available cards, which include various actions, events, and enterprises. Each player chooses a starting hand and receives initial resources. The game state is initialized with the Regime set to Civilian Law, and the necessary VP types are distributed. The Topple cards, which trigger the potential overthrow of Díaz, are shuffled and added to the deck.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card buying and deployment

Resource management

Action points system (9 possible actions)

Interlocking systems (e.g., Regime, VP types)

Strategic manipulation of game state

Game Objective

Gain influence and resources to overthrow Díaz or become the richest player.

There are four VP types, each corresponding to a different method of overthrowing Díaz.

If no player succeeds in overthrowing Díaz through the four Topple cards, the richest player wins.

Player Experience

Playing Pax Porfiriana is a diabolical and intriguing experience. Players take on the roles of influential hacendados vying to become Mexico’s next dominant figure. The game is marked by complex strategies, where players must balance their own plans with undercutting their opponents. Actions are multifaceted, often providing benefits to both the player and their opponents, requiring careful consideration of long-term consequences.

Pros

Deep Strategy: The game offers a rich, strategic experience with multiple pathways to victory.

Historical Theme: It provides a unique and immersive historical context, simulating the Porfirian era.

Complex Mechanics: The interlocking systems and various VP types add depth and replayability.

Interactive: Players constantly interact, manipulating the game state to their advantage.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be overwhelming due to its intricate mechanics and multiple strategies.

Length: Games typically last 120 minutes, which may deter some players.

Interface Issues: Some players have noted issues with the game’s interface and clarity of rules.

Brutal Gameplay: The game can be unrepentantly brutal, with significant setbacks possible even for leading players.

Personal Thoughts on Pax Porfiriana

Pax Porfiriana is for experienced gamers who appreciate deep strategy and historical themes. It is ideal for those who enjoy complex, interactive games where no action is strictly good or bad, and every move has multiple implications. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity and length, it offers a rewarding experience for those willing to dive into its intricate mechanics.

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