6.1
rating
Ludopedia
6.6
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
Looking for a quick and clever duel on a compact board? Siam is the game for you! It's an abstract push-and-pull game that makes you think about every move.
Highlights
- Pure and direct strategy
- Fast and intense matches
- Engaging animal theme
- Nice wooden components
Keep in mind
- Pushing rules require focus
- No luck, pure brainpower
- Strictly 2-player
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Siam transports you to a mystical realm where elephants and rhinoceroses, once peaceful, now wage an epic battle for supremacy. Reduced to three regions isolated by colossal mountains, this two-player abstract game puts you in command of one of these powerful animals, vying for control of limited territories. The objective is simple, but the strategy is deep: be the first to push one of the three central mountains off the board. Each turn offers crucial choices: you can add a new piece (elephant or rhinoceros) from the edges of the board, rotate an existing piece to change its orientation, remove a piece from the game from the edge, or, most importantly, move your pieces to push the opponents. The pushing mechanic is where tactics truly shine. To move an enemy piece, you need a numerical force superior to its own. For example, to push a single opposing animal, you'll need two of yours; to push two, three of yours. The direction your animal is 'facing' also influences possible actions, adding an extra layer of complexity to positioning and planning. With a compact 5x5 board and wooden components that add a pleasant tactile feel, Siam is a quick game, yet full of significant strategic decisions. Its combinatorial nature and lack of luck make it a pure cerebral duel, perfect for those who appreciate abstract strategy with an engaging animal theme.
GALLERY
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Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Ferti
Designer
Didier Dhorbait
Artist
(Uncredited), Biboun
How many players can participate in a game of Siam?
Siam is exclusively a two-player game, ideal for a direct and tactical confrontation.
How long does a game of Siam take?
Games are quite fast, typically lasting around 15 minutes, perfect for those with limited time or who want to play multiple rounds.
What is the main objective of Siam?
The objective is to be the first player to push one of the three central mountain pieces off the game board.
Does Siam have luck elements or is it purely strategic?
Siam is a purely strategic game. There are no dice or luck cards; the outcome depends entirely on the players' decisions and tactics.
Is the animal theme important to the gameplay?
The theme of elephants and rhinoceroses serves as the backdrop for the strategic battle. While it doesn't directly impact the mechanics in a deeply thematic way, it adds a special charm to the game.
Is it a difficult game to learn?
The basic rules are simple and quick to grasp, but the strategic depth may take some time to master. It's accessible for beginners but challenging for experienced players.
What are the main components of Siam?
The game typically comes with a compact board, wooden pieces representing elephants and rhinoceroses, and the mountain pieces.