Fujiyama (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Fujiyama is an abstract strategy board game released in 2021, designed and illustrated by ななつむ (nanatsumu). It is a game for 2 to 5 players, with a playtime of 20 to 30 minutes and suitable for ages 8 and up. The game features a combination of closed drafting, semi-cooperative gameplay, set collection, and tile placement mechanics.

Game Components of Fujiyama

Player mats: Each player has their own mat representing Mount Fuji.

Season tiles: 11 tiles per player, each with 3 season pictures and 3 mountain spaces.

Animal tokens: 3 of each type (rabbits, squirrels, and foxes) for each player.

Trump tile: One special tile per player that can be used once during the game.

How To Setup Fujiyama

To set up Fujiyama, each player receives a player mat and populates the base of the mountain with their animal tokens. Each player then draws 11 season tiles to form their individual draw deck. In the first round, players draw three tiles, select one as their trump tile, and give the remaining two tiles to their adjacent opponents.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Drafting: Players give two tiles to their adjacent opponents and choose one tile from the tiles received.

Tile Placement: Players place the chosen tile on their mountain, aiming to complete season triangles and populate flatlands with animals.

Animal Distribution: Players receive animal tokens from opponents who choose the tiles they gave.

Season Triangles: Complete triangles of the same season to score points.

Flatland Scoring: Score points for animals placed on flatlands.

Game Objective: The player with the most points, earned from season triangles and animal placements, wins the game.

Player Experience

Fujiyama offers a tactical and social gaming experience. Players must strategically decide which tiles to give to their opponents, balancing the need to help them enough to receive valuable animals while not aiding them too much. This dynamic creates a delicate social interaction, reminiscent of Japanese social etiquette.

Pros

Engaging Strategy: Requires careful planning and strategic thinking.

Social Interaction: Promotes considerate and thoughtful play towards opponents.

Quick Gameplay: Lasts only about 20 minutes, making it a great filler game.

Thematic Appeal: Beautifully themed around the four seasons and Mount Fuji.

Cons

Potential for Confusion: Rapid progression through rounds can lead to confusion if players do not keep pace.

Limited Score Sheets: The score pad may not be sufficient for multiple plays, requiring additional scoring methods.

Personal Thoughts on Fujiyama

Fujiyama is ideal for those who enjoy tactical tile placement games with a strong social component. It is a great fit for players looking for a game that is both fun and intellectually challenging, yet quick to play. The game’s theme and mechanics make it a unique addition to any board game collection, especially appealing to those interested in Japanese culture and aesthetics.

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