The image shows a boxed "Chizo Rising Starter Set" for a collectible tile game, featuring illustrations of various animals like a bull, horse, tiger, pig, snake, rabbit, rat, and a wolf on the cover.
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ChiZo RISING (2005)

ChiZo Rising

ChiZo Rising is a collectible tile game that combines elements of a collectible game with a German-style board game. The game is inspired by the Chinese Zodiac and features 12 Mighty Creatures.

Popularity and Significance

ChiZo Rising is a popular game among collectible game enthusiasts and those who enjoy German-style board games. The game combines the themes of collectible gaming with strategic gameplay, making it an attractive option for players who enjoy both aspects.

Game Components of ChiZo RISING

  • Starter Set: Includes 21 Creature Tiles in one of four 3-Creature configurations, 11 Special Effects Tiles, 2 ChiZo RISING Booster Packs with 8 random tiles each, and 1 ChiZo RISING Player Handbook.
  • Creature Tiles: Depict the 12 Mighty Creatures of the Chinese Zodiac, each with a name, type, compatible creatures, and strength/intelligence attributes.
  • Item and Obstacle Tiles: Permanents that get played alongside creatures to block or create effects on neighboring tiles.
  • Permanent Modifier Tiles: Modify the capabilities of existing creatures on the table, with each creature able to have only one modifier tile.
  • Action Tiles: Start an action stack, similar to a spell in Magic: the Gathering.
  • Reaction Tiles: Played on top of an existing action stack, some tiles can be both Action and Reaction tiles.

    How To Setup ChiZo RISING

    To set up ChiZo RISING, players begin by drawing a starting hand of five tiles from their deck. Each player builds a deck with 40-60 tiles. The game includes a fixed number of starter tiles and two booster packs in the starter set. Players can pool their boosters to trade tiles that work with their respective creatures. The setup time is less than 2 minutes.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Tile Placement: Players place tiles orthogonally adjacent to other creature tiles, except when there are no other creatures on the board.
  • Actions Per Turn: Players can draw two tiles, play a tile onto the table, or start an action or battle stack.
  • Battle Mechanics: Battles are initiated by playing a tile face down, with the defender being a neighboring tile. Allied support can be requested, and reaction tiles can be added to the stack. The strength and intelligence values of the attacker and defender are compared to determine the winner.
  • Capture Points: Players aim to collect 12 capture points by capturing opponent creatures, collecting sets of 4 neighboring compatible creatures, or using action tiles that give points.

    Player Experience

    Playing ChiZo RISING involves strategic deck building and tile placement. The game encourages players to think about compatibility between creatures and the use of modifier, item, and action tiles to gain advantages. The shared tile layout space adds a unique twist to traditional collectible games, requiring players to think spatially and strategically.

    Pros

  • Unique Tile Placement: Combines collectible game elements with German-style board game mechanics.
  • Strategic Depth: Requires players to build compatible sets and use tiles effectively in battles.
  • Variety in Tiles: Includes different types of tiles (creature, item, obstacle, modifier, action, and reaction) for diverse gameplay.
  • Short Playtime: Games typically last around 20-30 minutes.

    Cons

  • Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve due to its unique mechanics and compatibility matrix.
  • Optional but Necessary Boosters: Booster packs are optional but highly recommended to enhance gameplay, which can add additional cost.
  • Out of Stock: The game is currently out of stock in many places, making it difficult to obtain.

    Personal Thoughts on ChiZo RISING

    ChiZo RISING is ideal for fans of collectible games and those who enjoy strategic tile placement. It is suited for players aged 8 and up who are looking for a game that combines elements of Magic: the Gathering with the spatial strategy of a board game. However, due to its complexity and the need for booster packs, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those new to collectible games.

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