I know a number of people who honestly believe that medieval Europe was a time of chivalry and honor. The people somehow manage to overlook the short and brutal nature of life in those days. "Plague and Pestilence" is a game that helps take the romance out of the middle ages and concentrates on the brutal side of life. Reminiscent of "Nuclear War," but with less humor, "Plague and Pestilence" lets each player run a city struggling to survive everything from mongols to famine. Naturally the plague plays a major role in the game.
Game play is straight forward with the action taking place in two phases: Prosperity and Plague. The game begins in the Prosperity Phase with each player being dealt a population of 50 population points and five play cards. Moving in a clockwise direction, each player makes a Prosperity Roll that determines how much his population increases. He next draws cards to fill his hand to six cards and then plays one card. The play cards are used to either further increase population, do something bad to another player's population or to build a fortification. Actions against other players include calling a crusade, enduring earthquakes or drought, being in a war or having population move to another player's city.
Play continues until a player draws the dreaded Death Ship which indicates the Plague Phase begins. The is as above with the noteable exception that the dice rolling subtracts from the player's population. Attrition becomes the name of the game.
Total game time averaged around 20-25 minutes with four players. This was ideal given that we were waiting for a few late stragglers to show up for the regular game.
Overall this is a pretty decent little game that is a lot of fun.
Style: 4 (Classy and well done)
Substance: 4 (Meaty)
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