Ptolemy (2023) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Ptolemy is a two-player card game designed by Geonil and released in in 2023. The game is set in ancient Egypt during the time of Ptolemy I Soter, who was a Macedonian general under Alexander the Great and became the ruler of Egypt after Alexander’s death.

Game Components of Ptolemy

A fold-up game board with two planet tracks

Six wooden tokens depicting five planets and an eclipse

A deck of cards, including planet cards and special investigative cards

How To Setup Ptolemy

To set up the game, players unfold the game board and place the six wooden tokens on their respective starting positions on the planet tracks. Each player is dealt a hand of cards. The advanced game involves holding out certain cards to be drawn later, adding an extra layer of strategy.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Climbing Mechanic: Players play one card at a time, aiming to outdo their opponent by playing a higher-value card.

Planet Movement: When a planet card is played, the corresponding planet token is moved up the track by the card’s value. The planet must be moved higher than its previous position, and no planet can be moved in the same round.

Intensive Investigation: Players can start an intensive investigation, forcing both players to play only cards of a specific planet, which must be the same or lower value than before.

Objective: The goal is to win two out of three games by getting rid of all your cards faster than your opponent.

Player Experience

Playing **Ptolemy** is a unique blend of strategic card play and physical movement. The game’s simple mechanics make it easy to learn, but the addition of the planet tracks and the intensive investigation feature adds a layer of complexity and strategy. The kinetic energy of moving the planet tokens around the board enhances the game’s thematic feel, making it more engaging and visually appealing.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple single-card climbing mechanic.

Strategic Depth: Advanced game features and intensive investigations add complexity.

Visual Appeal: The movement of planet tokens around the board is visually engaging.

Thematic Integration: The game seamlessly integrates its astronomical theme with gameplay mechanics.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for only two players.

Random Card Draw: Can lead to uneven starting hands.

Small Box, Limited Components: While compact, the game does not include many components.

Personal Thoughts on Ptolemy

**Ptolemy** is an excellent choice for those who enjoy card games with a unique twist. It is particularly suited for couples or friends looking for a competitive yet strategically rich two-player game. The combination of card climbing mechanics and the physical movement of planet tokens makes it both fun and visually appealing. However, it may not be the best fit for larger groups or those seeking games with a high component count.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.