The Downfall of Pompeii (2004) Board Game

The Downfall of Pompeii is a board game released in 2004, designed by Klaus-Jürgen Wrede, who is best known for creating the popular game Carcassonne. The game is set in ancient Pompeii, a city in the Roman Empire that was famously destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Players take on the role of citizens trying to escape the city before it is too late.

Game Components of The Downfall of Pompeii

Citizen-cylinders (player pieces)

Building tiles

Omen cards

Eruption cards

Lava tiles

Dual vent tiles (for a variant)

Card deck

Game board depicting a Roman town near a volcano

How To Setup The Downfall of Pompeii

To set up the game, players first place the game board, which represents a Roman town on the edge of a semi-active volcano. Each player selects their citizen-cylinders and places them within reach. The card deck is shuffled and seeded with Omen and Eruption cards randomly but predictably. Players draw a starting hand of cards. The building tiles are arranged according to their numbers on the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Initial Phase: Players take turns playing cards to place their citizen-cylinders into numbered buildings.

Omen Cards: When an Omen card is drawn, the player can throw an opponent’s citizen-cylinder into the volcano.

Eruption Cards: The first Eruption card allows players to add multiple citizens to the town. The second Eruption card triggers the lava flow phase.

Lava Flow: Players lay lava tiles to fill up the town, and citizens must be moved to the nearest gate to escape.

Objective: The goal is to have the most of your citizens escape the town.

Player Experience

The game offers a unique blend of strategy and chaotic fun. In the early stages, players focus on settling their citizens in the town. Once the eruptions begin, the game shifts to a frantic race to save as many citizens as possible. The satisfaction of throwing an opponent’s piece into the volcano adds a social and interactive element. Players need to balance their own survival with the need to intermingle their pieces with others to avoid being targeted by the lava.

Pros

Unique Theme: The game’s theme of escaping a volcanic eruption is fully integrated into the gameplay.

Easy to Learn: The game can be taught in under ten minutes.

Strategic Depth: Despite its simplicity, the game offers interesting strategic choices.

Interactive and Fun: The ability to affect other players’ chances adds a social and engaging element.

Cons

Randomness: The game’s randomness, particularly with Omen cards, can lead to uneven outcomes.

Limited Mechanics for Some Players: Some players might find the mechanics too simplistic compared to modern complex games.

Personal Thoughts on The Downfall of Pompeii

The Downfall of Pompeii is perfect for players who enjoy a mix of strategy and social interaction without the complexity of modern “dreadnought” games. It is a great introduction for new players to the hobby due to its easy-to-learn mechanics and engaging theme. For experienced players, it offers a refreshing change of pace with its unique blend of gameplay elements. Overall, it is a charming and delightful game that remains relevant even nearly twenty years after its release.

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.