Hameln

About this board game

Hameln is a board game for 3–5 players that takes about 60 minutes, set in the 13th-century town of Hameln, also known as Hamlyn. Players take part in town life as residents buy houses, have children, marry, earn money, and try to gain an advantage over their neighbors.

Life in the town is threatened by a growing plague of rats. As the rat population rises, supplies of food and romantic thoughts dwindle, putting pressure on the townspeople and changing the course of the game. The Pied Piper may be exactly what Hameln needs—but his music comes at a price.

The Pied Piper’s talents reach beyond simply charming rats, so players must consider the consequences of his presence. Losing children to the Pied Piper is viewed as bad form and costs points, adding another danger to the everyday business of building a household and prospering in town.

Players score points through several forms of success:

• Owning houses
• Gaining influence
• Accumulating money
• Possessing the cat

With its blend of town development, family life, money, influence, and an escalating rat problem, Hameln presents a distinctive portrait of medieval community life. Players must pursue their own fortunes while dealing with the pressures affecting everyone in the town—and decide how much the Pied Piper’s help is worth.