Perikles, designed by Martin Wallace, drops you and your friends into the role of aristocratic families vying for control of the six major Greek city‑states. The game unfolds in two tightly linked phases. In the first, each round is a contest of influence: you place markers in the zones of each city, try to win the majority, and at round's end an election decides who commands that polis' army. In the second phase, armies are moved using cards; you secretly decide where to attack or defend, remembering you cannot target your own city. Seven battles are on the table each round, each tied to a city, and dominating the majority of battles earns you glory.

Mechanics are easy to pick up – dice rolling for combat resolution, open drafting of movement cards, and secret unit deployment – yet they blend elegantly, creating political tension and military action simultaneously. The board depicts a map of Greece with the city‑states and battle zones, and components include influence tokens, troop miniatures, order cards, and six‑sided dice. Playtime hovers around two hours, ideal for 3‑5 players who enjoy moderate strategy (weight 3.3/5). If you love games that mix politics, war, and a dash of classical history, Perikles offers a smooth, replayable experience, especially as players start to forge alliances and betrayals across elections.

The production is solid, featuring art that evokes classical Greek style and sturdy pieces. No official expansions exist, but the digital Board Game Arena version lets you face opponents worldwide. In short, it’s a Euro‑war that successfully merges area control and tactical combat without overwhelming the player, perfect for anyone wanting to feel the weight of ancient Greek political decisions without reading a history textbook.