The Pillars of the Earth

The Pillars of the Earth

2006
Strategy
4.27 out of 5
211+ people loved this game
Mechanics
Worker Placement
Complexity
Medium
Duration
90 - 120 minutes
Number of players
2 - 4 players
Minimum age
12+ years

The Pillars of the Earth review

I recently had the chance to play The Pillars of the Earth, a board game based on Ken Follett's bestselling novel. I've always been a fan of worker placement games, and this one definitely did not disappoint. It's a beautifully designed game with a lot of depth to its mechanics. You play as a builder who is trying to contribute the most to the construction of a great cathedral in England, and it's surprisingly fun to strategize over resources and victory points.

One of the things I really enjoyed about the game is the fact that the rules suggest starting the game and reading as you go. It's an unusual approach that worked surprisingly well for me. The rules are pretty straightforward once you get the hang of them, and the game does a good job of explaining the different actions you can take as you go.

I played with a group of three other players, and we all had a lot of fun. The game can be played with two to four players, and the game play changes a bit depending on the number of players. We found that it really added an extra layer of strategy and competition when we played with four. The game also scales pretty well to different player counts, and it doesn't feel like anyone is left out or doesn't have enough to do, even with two players.

Overall, I'd highly recommend The Pillars of the Earth for any fan of worker placement games. It's a well-designed, engaging game with a lot of replay value. The theme is great, and it really brings the world of the book to life. It's a great game for families and friends alike, and it's a great way to spend an evening with friends.