Pentago (2005) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Pentago is an abstract strategy board game designed by Tomas Flodén and released in in 2005. The game features a unique twist with its rotating board, adding an extra layer of strategy to the gameplay. It has garnered a cult following among strategy game enthusiasts for its simple rules yet challenging gameplay.

Game Components of Pentago

1 Pentago board

36 marbles (18 white, 18 black)

Instruction manual

How To Setup Pentago

Place the Pentago board in the center of the table.

Each player takes 18 marbles of the same color.

Players decide who goes first.

The game is ready to begin!

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

The objective of Pentago is to be the first player to get five of their marbles in a row, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The twist comes in with the rotating board, where players can move one of the four quadrants 90 degrees after placing a marble.

Player Experience

Pros:

Quick and easy setup

Unique rotating board mechanic adds depth to gameplay

Suitable for all ages

Cons:

Limited replay value

Can feel repetitive after multiple plays

Lack of strategic depth compared to other abstract strategy games

Personal Thoughts on Pentago

Overall, Pentago is a fun and engaging game that is perfect for casual game nights or quick matches. The build quality of the components is decent, although the marbles could be of better quality. The game falls under the abstract strategy category, offering a different experience from traditional board games.

In terms of pricing and availability, Pentago is reasonably priced and can be found both new and used. There are alternatives and similar games on the market, such as Quarto or Gobblet, which offer a similar gameplay experience. Whether Pentago is worth your time depends on your preference for abstract strategy games. It is suitable for all ages, making it a great family game. However, for players looking for more depth and complexity, they may want to skip Pentago in favor of other strategy games.

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