Pericles: The Peloponnesian Wars

GMT Games · Board game · 2017

8.9 Ludopedia 7.8 BGG 1–4 · best 4 Solo 45–360 min Weight 4.3/5

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8.9 rating Ludopedia

7.8 rating BGG

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Our Verdict

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy dense wargames with intense political intrigue and love Ancient Greek history, Pericles is a fantastic choice. It's a game that challenges you both in military strategy and the art of internal negotiation!

Highlights

Deep military strategy
Addictive political intrigue
High scenario replayability
Well-implemented solo mode
Engaging historical theme

Keep in mind

Complex and dense rules
Long play duration
Steep learning curve

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About the game

What you do in a play session

Hey everyone! Ready to dive into Ancient Greece and relive the Peloponnesian War? In Pericles: The Peloponnesian Wars, you'll be transported to the period from 460 to 400 BC, taking command of one of two Athenian or Spartan factions. Forget the idea of a linear game; this is a strategic 'sandbox' for up to four players, where every political and military decision counts.

The game is divided into two crucial phases: politics and war. In the war phase, the rivalry is clear: Athens against Sparta, a true 'us versus them'. But things get spicier in the political phase, where the dispute is internal: Athenian faction against Athenian faction, and Spartan king against Spartan king. It's an 'me versus you' within your own team, where intrigue and negotiation are as important as military might.

The ultimate goal? The City-State (Athens or Sparta) that accumulates the most Honor wins the war. But it doesn't stop there! Within the winning side, the faction with the most Honor is the true champion. In other words, you need to collaborate with your side to win the war, but without forgetting to stand out to be the great statesman. Pericles offers a huge variety of scenarios, from 30-minute mini-theaters to epic campaigns covering the First and Second Peloponnesian Wars. And if you like playing alone, there are rules for 3, 2, and even solo play. Get ready for lots of strategy, dice, and impactful decisions!

Gallery

Box and component photos

11 photos · from the community

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Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

4 videos

In English

Best player count

BGG community vote

1–4 players

1 OK

2 REC

3 OK

4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Publisher GMT Games

Designer Mark Herman

Artist David Dockter, Francisco Colmenares, Knut Grünitz, Mark Simonitch, Philipp von Foltz, Rodger B. MacGowan

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

2,708owners

864wishlist

133want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

7 questions

Is Pericles a very complex wargame? How long does it take to learn?

Pericles is a medium-heavy wargame, so yes, it has considerable complexity (BGG weight of 4.28/5). It takes time to internalize all the rules and nuances, especially the interactions between the political and war phases. Expect to dedicate a few hours to reading the manual and one or two plays to get the hang of it.

How many players are ideal for Pericles?

The game is designed for 4 players, with two Athenian and two Spartan factions, which provides the most complete experience with the internal political dynamics. However, there are rules for 3, 2, and even a solo mode, which are well-adapted and offer an interesting challenge for different setups.

What is the average play time for Pericles?

The duration varies GREATLY depending on the scenario! You can have a quick 30-minute game with a 'mini Theater scenario' or delve into 3 to 6 hours for a complete Peloponnesian War campaign. It's good to plan ahead which scenario you want to play.

Does Pericles have a lot of language dependency?

Yes, the language dependency is quite high. The game has text on cards, events, and especially in the manual, which are crucial for understanding the actions and historical context. A good translation or knowledge of English is almost essential to fully enjoy the experience.

What are the main components of the game?

You'll find a detailed map of Ancient Greece, many wooden markers to represent armies and fleets, action and event cards, dice for resolving combat, and, of course, the rulebook. It's a game with plenty of material to immerse you in the conflict.

Is there a solo mode in Pericles?

Absolutely! Pericles offers a robust solo mode, allowing a single player to control one of the factions against an automated opponent. It's a great way to learn the mechanics, test strategies, or simply enjoy the game when other players aren't available.

Who is Pericles recommended for?

Pericles is highly recommended for experienced players who love historical wargames, especially those who appreciate strategic complexity, negotiation, and political simulation. If you enjoy GMT games and the 'Great Statesmen' series, you'll feel right at home. It's not for wargame beginners.