Pergamon (2011) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Pergamon is a board game released in 2011, designed by Stefan Dorra and Ralf zur Linde. The game is set in ancient Greece and takes its inspiration from the ancient city of Pergamon, known for its famous library and healing center. Players take on the roles of archaeologists competing to excavate and collect artifacts from the city.

Game Components of Pergamon

Game board

Archaeologist player boards

Excavation site tiles

Artifact cards

Assistant cards

Resource tokens

Scorepad

How To Setup Pergamon

To set up Pergamon, start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects an archaeologist player board and places it within reach. Shuffle the excavation site tiles and lay them out according to the specified pattern on the game board. Distribute a set number of resource tokens and assistant cards to each player. Finally, shuffle the artifact cards and place them face down on designated spaces on the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Excavation: Players excavate the ancient city by uncovering tiles and retrieving artifacts.

Resource Management: Manage resources to perform actions such as excavating, hiring assistants, and acquiring artifact cards.

Assistant Cards: Use assistant cards to gain bonuses and advantages during the game.

Artifact Collection: Collect and trade artifact cards to earn points.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most points by collecting valuable artifacts and completing excavations efficiently.

Player Experience

Playing Pergamon offers a engaging and strategic experience, as players balance resource management with the excitement of discovery. The game’s theme of archaeological excavation adds a layer of historical and educational value, making it appealing to both families and enthusiasts of history and archaeology.

Pros

Thematic Depth: The game’s archaeological theme is well-integrated, making the experience immersive.

Strategic Complexity: Pergamon offers a good balance of strategy and luck, keeping the game engaging.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of various ages and skill levels.

Replayability: The random setup of excavation site tiles ensures different experiences each game.

Cons

Setup Time: The initial setup can be somewhat lengthy due to the placement of excavation site tiles and distribution of resources.

Luck Factor: The draw of artifact cards and excavation site tiles can introduce a significant element of luck.

Personal Thoughts on Pergamon

Pergamon is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers who enjoy strategy with a historical twist. It’s also a good fit for history enthusiasts and those who appreciate the theme of archaeological discovery. However, players seeking games with minimal luck and quick setup times might find Pergamon less appealing. Overall, it’s a solid addition to any board game collection, offering a unique blend of strategy and historical exploration.

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