Sakura Hunt (2017) Board Game

Sakura Hunt is a card game released in 2017 by JUGAME STUDIO. Designed and illustrated by Yu Maruno, the game is set in a beautiful cherry blossom garden where players compete to collect the most sakura petals.

Game Components of Sakura Hunt

Deck of cards

Score track

Player tokens (each player has their own chosen color)

Hand of six cards per player

How To Setup Sakura Hunt

To set up the game, each player chooses a color and receives a hand of six cards. The score track is placed within reach of all players, and the deck is shuffled and ready for play.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Competitive set collection card game

Mechanics: Card drafting, set collection, scoring based on card combinations

Objective: Players aim to score points by creating sets of cards (either three cards of the same number or a run of consecutive numbers) at different locations on the table.

Scoring: Players can score once per line by combining cards from the table and their hand. The score is determined by the number of cards in the set, with full bloom (four cards) awarding the highest points.

Game End: The game concludes when the deck is depleted or all players have scored at all four locations. Final scoring includes points for the longest runs and triplets of a kind.

Player Experience

**Sakura Hunt** offers a straightforward and visually appealing experience. The game is easy to grasp, with transparent tactics and strategy that make it accessible to new players. However, the simplicity and lack of hidden mechanics can make the game feel somewhat mindless and less engaging for experienced players.

Pros

Theme and Aesthetics: The game has a nice, attractive theme with beautiful artwork.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it very approachable.

Quick Gameplay: Games are relatively short, making it a good filler game.

Cons

Lack of Complexity: The game feels abstracted and lacks deeper strategic elements.

Component Quality: While the artwork is nice, the quality of the components, especially the player tokens, could be improved.

Multiplayer Challenges: Timing and strategy become less nuanced with more players, making the game less challenging.

Personal Thoughts on Sakura Hunt

**Sakura Hunt** is a game best suited for those who enjoy light, casual gaming experiences. It’s perfect for families or new players looking to introduce themselves to card games without feeling overwhelmed. While it may not offer the depth and complexity that seasoned gamers might crave, its pleasant theme and easy gameplay make it a nice addition to any collection for those seeking a relaxing gaming experience.

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