Pantheon

Pantheon is a 2011 release by Bernd Brunnhofer, alias Michael Tummelhofer, who is best known for his work on Stone Age and Saint Petersburg. In this 2-4 player game, you're collecting raw materials over six rounds, trying to help your Mediterranean people worship their gods and earn points.

Pantheon has a solid pedigree in Stone Age and St Petersburg, but it's not for everyone. The theme is not very strong, and the gameplay is arguably quite abstract. The mechanics are mostly derivative, but they combine in an interesting way. Some gamers might find the mix of mechanics too bland, and there's a fairly significant element of luck that can be frustrating. However, there are lots of possible strategies to explore, especially if you're willing to focus on timing and pacing.

I found the production values to be quite pleasing, although I know not everyone shares that opinion. It's definitely more of a family strategy game than a serious one, and it can drag on a bit, especially with the luck factor. But despite its flaws, I enjoy Pantheon for its pleasant mix of mechanics and its potential for strategic depth.