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Pharaoh (2010) Board Game

ByMichail

Pharaoh is an abstract strategy board game released in 2010 by Looney Labs. It is designed for 2-4 players and has a playing time of around 15 minutes. The game involves action points, pattern building, and a roll/spin and move mechanism. The objective of the game is to build the most impressive pyramid while strategically navigating the game board.

Game Components

  • Over 100 tiles
  • More than 20 standard and custom dice
  • Dozens of bonus tokens
  • Level bars
  • Locking pyramids.

    How To Setup

    Players set up the game by arranging tiles and dice according to the rules. The setup involves creating a unique board configuration each time, ensuring no two games are the same.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Build a dice-rolling engine
  • Add and manipulate dice
  • Prepare for a final roll-off to gain the Pharaoh’s favor and win the game
  • Use tiles, dice, and tokens to build combinations.

    Player Experience

    **Favor of the Pharaoh** is a strategic game that involves building and manipulating dice rolls. It is designed for 2-4 players, takes about 45 minutes to play, and is suitable for players aged 13 and above.

    Pros
  • High replayability due to variable setup
  • Engaging dice manipulation mechanics
  • Suitable for multiple players
    Cons
  • Complex setup may deter some players
  • Requires strategic thinking which might not appeal to casual players

    Pharaon

    Game Components

  • Modular board with interlocking pieces
  • Character cards with special abilities
  • Resource tokens
  • Score pad.

    How To Setup

    The game involves setting up a modular board with five interlocking pieces. Each piece is randomly arranged, and the centerpiece locks them together.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Players compete to become the next Pharaoh
  • Manage resources and character abilities
  • Score victory points over five rounds
  • Use the score pad to track points from various sources (characters, cards, monuments, etc.).

    Player Experience

    **Pharaon** is a strategic game where players must manage resources and character abilities to gain victory points. It is easy to learn but offers deep strategic play.

    Pros
  • Modular board ensures high replayability
    -Easy to learn with a streamlined rulebook

  • Engaging solitaire mode
    Cons
  • Theme may not be strongly immersive
  • Minor learning curve for new players

    Oh, Pharaoh!

    Game Components

  • Card deck with numerical and special effect cards
  • Game board
  • Score keeper.

    How To Setup

    Each player is dealt 7 cards, and three unique cards are flipped up next to the draw pile. The score keeper is placed on the first space on the game board.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Build pyramids of cards of increasing value
  • Score pyramids based on their value
  • Draw cards, take actions, discard cards, and adjust hand to seven cards per turn
  • The game ends when the score keeper reaches space #10 or the Game End card is drawn.

    Player Experience

    **Oh, Pharaoh** is a card game that focuses on building and scoring pyramids. It offers a strategic take on set building, different from standard Rummy games.

    Pros
  • Great balance for set building
  • Strategic gameplay
  • Unique pyramid-building mechanics
    Cons
  • Small card size can be inconvenient
  • Limited thematic depth

    Personal Thoughts on Pharaoh

    Each of these games caters to different types of players:

  • Favor of the Pharaoh** is for fans of dice games and engine builders.
  • Pharaon** is ideal for those who enjoy strategic resource management and modular board games.
  • Oh, Pharaoh** suits players who like card games with a unique twist on set building.

    These games offer a range of experiences, from strategic dice rolling to card-based pyramid building, each with its own unique mechanics and appeal.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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