Purim

Purim transports players to the era of the Book of Esther, when Haman's evil scheme threatens the survival of the Jewish people. Each participant takes on the role of a loyal messenger to the king and queen, tasked with spreading the royal proclamation – represented by gold cubes – across all provinces of the empire. Simultaneously, Haman's ten sons, also controlled by the players, try to sow false messages and destruction by placing black cubes in the same regions. The game blends card‑management and area‑control in a cooperative framework. At the start of each round, every player receives a hand of Action Cards, each containing a Loyal Action, an Evil Action, and an End Effect. Players select a card in secret, reveal them together, and resolve actions in numerical order: the Loyal Action first (usually adding gold cubes, moving messengers, or removing Haman’s sons) followed by the Evil Action (typically adding black cubes or advancing the calendar). When only the final cards remain in hand, they are revealed and only their End Effects are applied, ending the round. The game ends when the calendar reaches its last tile or when gold or black cubes run out. Victory requires every province to have at least as many gold cubes as black cubes; a single province with more black cubes means defeat. Designed for 1‑4 players, a playtime of 45‑60 minutes, and a low complexity (weight 2.6), Purim is accessible to beginners and families seeking a light yet tense cooperative experience. Components include colorful cards, two‑colored cubes, and a board divided into provinces, all illustrated with biblical‑era art. A solo mode lets a single player face the sons of Haman using automated rules. Overall, the game offers simple strategy, teamwork, and a historic‑religious theme that will please both fans of light Eurogames and those interested in biblical narratives.