Pompeji (2001) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Pompeji is a board game that was released in 2001 and designed by Dennis Lohausen and Jürgen Martens. The game is set in ancient Pompeii, a city near Naples in Italy that was buried under volcanic ash and pumice in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD

In the game, players take on the roles of residents trying to escape the city before it is engulfed by lava and ash.

Game Components of Pompeji

Game board featuring the city of Pompeii

Game pieces in different colors (red, black, yellow, blue) depending on the number of players

Pompeii cards with house numbers and special cards like “A.D. 79”

Omen cards

Lava tiles with different symbols (helmet, mask, vase, coin, column, scroll)

Neutral (beige) building spaces

How To Setup Pompeji

To set up **Pompeji**, place the game board in the center of the table. Each player receives a set of game pieces based on the number of players: 36 pieces for two players, 30 for three players, and 25 for four players. The dealer separates the “A.D. 79” card and the “Omen” cards from the Pompeii cards, shuffles them, and creates seven piles of four cards each. The “Omen” cards are shuffled back into the remaining Pompeii cards, and the “A.D. 79” card is placed on top of the stock pile along with two of the 4-card piles. Each player picks one of the 4-card piles, and any remaining piles are put back into the box without being looked at.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Phases: Two distinct phases

First Phase: Players use Pompeii cards to place their game pieces into buildings corresponding to the card numbers.

Second Phase: Triggered by the second play of the “A.D. 79” card, players must move their pieces out of the city through the gates before it is covered by lava tiles.

Turn Structure:
– Play one Pompeii card from hand.
– Place one game piece into a corresponding building.
– Draw a card from the stock pile.

Game Objective: The player who saves the most game pieces by moving them out of the city wins. In case of a tie, the player with fewer pieces in the volcano wins.

Player Experience

**Pompeji** offers a thrilling experience with a unique blend of strategic card play and frantic tile placement. During the first phase, players strategically place their pieces in various buildings, anticipating the impending eruption. Once the volcano erupts, the game shifts to a fast-paced escape scenario where players must navigate their pieces out of the city, avoiding lava tiles. This dual-phase mechanism ensures a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience.

Pros

Dual-Phase Gameplay: Engaging and dynamic, with a strategic first phase and a frantic second phase.

Simple yet Strategic: Easy to learn but with enough depth for strategic play.

Theme Integration: The game’s theme is well-integrated into the mechanics, creating an immersive experience.

Cons

Luck Factor: The random draw of cards and lava tiles can introduce a significant luck factor.

Setup Time: Setting up the game can be a bit time-consuming due to the shuffling and distribution of cards.

Personal Thoughts on Pompeji

**Pompeji** is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers who enjoy strategic games with a strong thematic element. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate games with clear objectives and a mix of strategy and luck. However, it may not appeal as strongly to hardcore gamers seeking complex, deep strategies or those who prefer games with minimal luck involved. Overall, **Pompeji** is a fun and engaging game that offers a unique gaming experience.

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