Athens and Sparta is a lot of fun but enough players are reporting difficulties winning with Sparta that we are considering a rule change. We’re pleased to have received the input of many gamers about how to tip the balance a little more toward Sparta.
Our current thinking, however, is a very simple rule change about Neutral power VPs. It needs testing from many gamers and reports of results. Comments are welcome. Read on below:
Victory is attained with 25 VPs but NEUTRAL cities do NOT count for VPs.
There are 10 neutral victory points so the effect is to equal to assuming each side got 5 points worth of neutrals each game.
Neutral cities do still count for building and provide units so its good to have them.
This will also make Sicily work better. As it stands Sicily is too risky for Athens because attacking it puts 4 VPs in Spartan hands immediately. With just 4 BPs at stake it is less of an issue.
Athens cannot afford to play turtle. Sparta starts at 19 so 25 isn’t far away.
August 15th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
I’ve played Athens & Sparta quite a bit (including both Prezcon and WBC tournaments) and the rules do need to be tweeked a bit. I’m working on an “after-action report” that takes in the suggestions made by numerous players and should have that to you within two weeks. You may wish to hold off a bit before changing the victory conditions until you read what they have to say. Thanks for your consideration.