Polis is a board game released in 2017, designed by Julien Delval. It is set in ancient Greece and focuses on city-building and civilization aspects. The game has received positive reviews for its strategic gameplay and engaging mechanics.
Game Components of Polis
Game Board: An 8-fold, double-layer main board featuring a map of Greece.Resource Cubes: Representing resources such as wheat, grapes, iron, wood, and silver.Population Cubes: Used to manage the population of cities.Unit Cubes: Hoplites, galleys, and merchants.Battle Cards: Used for resolving combat.Player Boards: For tracking resources and actions.Projects and Tributes: Representing city development and resource collection.
How To Setup Polis
Setting up Polis involves placing the game board, distributing the starting resources and units according to the asymmetric starting positions of Athens and Sparta, and preparing the player boards. Each player receives a set of resources and units based on their faction. The game board is divided into regions, each with its own resource distribution and potential for city control.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Resource Management: Players manage resources like wheat, grapes, iron, wood, and silver to sustain their population and build units.Unit Deployment: Three actions allow converting population cubes into units (hoplites, galleys, merchants) using matching resources.City Management: Actions focus on building projects in cities, collecting tribute, and trading resources.Combat: Battles are triggered when a region contains eight units; resolved using battle cards where players must match symbols to avoid losing units.Prestige System: Prestige points are crucial for actions, gained through conquering cities, completing projects, and having battles. Running out of prestige results in an instant loss.Objective: The game objective is to accumulate the most prestige points by controlling cities, completing projects, and managing resources effectively over three rounds.
Player Experience
Polis is known for its brutal and unforgiving gameplay. Players must balance resource management, unit deployment, and city control while navigating the risks of combat and resource scarcity. The game rewards careful planning and strategic thinking, as mismanaging resources or forgetting to feed the population can lead to immediate defeat. It is a game of strategy, control, and reaction, with a high level of replayability due to its deep mechanics.
Pros
Deep Strategy: Offers a wealth of strategies to explore, appealing to both wargamers and Eurogame enthusiasts.Replayability: Each game can feel different based on player choices and strategies.Thematic Connection: Strong thematic integration with the rules and actions reflecting the historical context of the Peloponnesian War.Component Quality: High-quality components, including an intricate and well-designed game board.
Cons
Steep Learning Curve: Can be challenging to learn, especially for those not familiar with complex strategy games.Resource Scarcity: Resources are scarce, and poor management can lead to quick defeat.Unforgiving Gameplay: Mistakes are punished severely, making the game brutal and demanding.
Personal Thoughts on Polis
Polis is ideal for experienced gamers who enjoy deep strategy and resource management. It is particularly suited for those looking for a two-player game that offers a mix of economic and military strategies. The game’s complexity and unforgiving nature make it less suitable for casual gamers but highly rewarding for those who enjoy a challenging and strategic experience. If you’re looking for a game that requires careful planning and offers a rich thematic experience, Polis is an excellent choice.
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