Kiwara (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Kiwara is an abstract strategy board game designed by Franck Drevon and published in in 2018. The game is set in the African savannah and players take on the roles of various animals competing for dominance in the wild. With its beautiful artwork by Ôz Editions, Kiwara offers a unique and engaging gaming experience for 2 players.

Game Components of Kiwara

Game board featuring the savanna

Tokens of two different colors

Territory tiles

Rulebook

How To Setup Kiwara

To set up Kiwara, players start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding tokens. The territory tiles are shuffled and placed face down on designated spaces on the board. The game is ready to begin once all components are in place.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area Majority / Influence: Players compete to have the most tokens in each territory.

Tile Placement: Players place tiles to expand territories and influence areas.

Objective: The game ends when all spaces on the board are occupied. The player with the most tokens in each of the six territories wins those areas.

Player Experience

Kiwara offers a strategic and competitive experience for two players. The game demands careful planning and tactical tile placement to outmaneuver the opponent. The abstract nature of the game ensures that each playthrough can be different, requiring players to adapt their strategies.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Offers a rich and challenging gameplay experience.

Quick Playtime: Games are relatively short, lasting about 30 minutes.

Simple to Learn: Easy to understand mechanics, but difficult to master.

Competitive: Encourages direct competition between players.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Only suitable for 2 players.

Abstract Theme: May not appeal to players looking for a more thematic experience.

High Replayability: While a positive, it may also mean that the game can become repetitive for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Kiwara

Kiwara is ideal for fans of abstract strategy games and those who enjoy competitive, head-to-head gameplay. It is a great addition to any board game collection for players looking to challenge their strategic thinking. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking games with a stronger thematic element or those who prefer games with larger player counts.

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