The Princes of Machu Picchu
- Players
- 2-5
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 90 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.1 / 5
- Year
- 2008
About the game
The Princes of Machu Picchu, designed by Mac Gerdts, casts two to five players as Incan princes hiding in the mountains after the Spanish conquest, working to secretly rebuild their civilization at the hidden city of Machu Picchu. Players move a prince pawn around the city map to direct workers who grow corn, feed llamas, plant coca, and engage priests and virgins in service of the gods. The game can end in two very different ways - an Incan victory if all priests and virgins are activated in time, or a Spanish victory if the invaders discover the city first - each rewarding a different kind of player. A hidden traitor mechanic adds an extra layer of tension, since one player may be secretly working toward the Spanish arriving.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's team finds the dual win-condition structure genuinely clever - it forces players to hedge their strategy against two very different outcomes. The hidden-traitor tension gives an otherwise standard worker-placement euro real bite. As with much of Mac Gerdts' catalog, the rules are tightly designed, though the historical theme is fairly abstracted into euro mechanics.
What we like
- Dual victory conditions create genuinely different strategic paths.
- Hidden-traitor mechanic adds tension uncommon in worker-placement euros.
- Tightly designed rules reflect Mac Gerdts' strong euro design pedigree.
- Thematic Incan setting stands out among worker-placement games.
Keep in mind
- Historical theme is fairly abstracted into standard euro mechanics.
- Rules can feel dense for players new to worker placement.
- Ninety-minute playtime can run longer with five players.
Who it's for
Fans of worker placement and civilization-themed euros; best for two to five gamers ready for a mid-to-heavy strategic challenge.
