Cleopatra and the Society of Architects
I am a hunter. Constantly searching the adds, news, and reviews for that next speciman to add to the trophy wall. One of my greatest finds is a game that will draw non gamers to play. I have all kinds of different games in my game collection that I enjoy playing and there are those I really enjoy for their depth and strategy envolved to pull off that sweet victory at the end.

Cleopatra and the Society of Architects is not one of my favorite games to play. I will just clear the air by saying that. BUT for my family, gaming group, and a few fringe players that are not quite sure what they think of this wonderful hobby that enjoy they cannot stop asking to play this game.

On to the review.



OPENING THE BOX AND FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

When I purchased this game one of the things that hit me was the price. All the articles that I have read and podcasts that I have listened have spoken very highly of this game and when my next purchase came, I budget a couple every year, and this game took a chunk of the purchase but I have seen it go for as low as 25 dollars. This seems to be the standard price anymore on this game.

Look around and you can get a good price.

Days of Wonder never fails to impress on quality and this game is no exception. The first thing that hit me was all the plastic pieces in this game. Theres the price but you do get what you pay for. Quality boards, bits, great rule book, and reference sheets. The quality is very high. The boards will not warp, and the pieces will stand up to much use. Very good.

I was very excited to get this game to the board.



RULE BOOK AND LEARNING THE GAME:

Rule book is made of very quality gloss paper, colorful, and easy to follow. I could not have take more than 20 minutes reading through the book, looking at the examples and then I was ready to play. The rule book is very comprehensive and functions superbly.

As the one who usually teaches the game I do not look forward to a game that takes a longer to teach than to play. Not saying that those games are wrong but what in this instance we are focusing on a game accesiible by everyone, especially non gamers. This game teaches well and the one learning this game will feel very comfortable learning and will not be overwhelmed. Big plus.

Learning the game is simple, and so is teaching the game.



GAMEPLAY:

I am not going to go into the rules here in depth. If the reader is interested in this I reccomemnd going to Days of Wonder's website and reading it in full there.



The game consists of collecting cards, paying cards to buy objects that will build cleopatras palace (all the plastic pieces), and managing corruption that is earned while trying to do certain things in the game. Cards that use corruption speed the process of building (thats what this game is all about) and most specifically building multiple items for bonus points is where a player finds victory or getting the most corruption and gets himself thrown to the crocodiles..... or just losing.



The box and boards are put together to establish one of the most innovative boards I have played on in a while. On this board you will be placing your construction which adds to the attractiveness of this game. You get to build the palace and see the progress as the game proceeds. Very neat. Very much the heart of the game.

Collect cards, balance corruption, build the palace, and the player with the most money at the end win and the most corruption gets fed to the lions,err crocs, or just buys the cokes. However your house feels like playing.



The game moves very fast, and you will be able to play multiple games in a session.

Cleopatra is not a confusing game or deep as far as multiple strategies and investment in time to play is concerned but it engages its players. The game is different and brings new gamers beyond the standard fodder that is out there. Great intro game.

CONS:

The Game does what is does very well, but it may not keep interest of the gamer over multiple plays. For me the game has gotten old as time goes on BUT BUT BUT that does not mean this is a bad game. Two of my favorites are Power Grid and Through the Ages. I like deeper games. My family and friends love this game and it gets much play but for the some the replay value may not be there.





FINAL THOUGHTS:

Great game. Solid, innovative, and gets people involve, and before I forget fun. One draw back in my book, the replayability may not be there for some.

This is one of those game that need to be in a collection specifically if you try to get new people to play.

BGG rating 7 out of 10.

Thank you.

Go out there and get someone new to play in your next game session and maybe Cleopatra will make someone else go, "Hey, this is fun. When do you guys get together again?!"

Article edited concerning price of the game.