Izayoi (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Izayoi is a board game released in 2020 by the designer and publisher nanatsumu. It is a game designed for 3-5 players, with a playtime of 15-30 minutes. The game falls under the category of hand management and voting, where players must strategically manage their cards to gain influence and control over the game.

Game Components of Izayoi

Player cards: 5 cards

Master cards: 5 cards

Recommendation cards: 47 cards

Special cards: 10 cards

Japanese accessory tiles: 16 sheets

Playboard: 1 set

Instruction manual: 1 copy, available in Japanese and English.

How To Setup Izayoi

Setting up Izayoi is straightforward. Players start by placing the Japanese accessory tiles on the playboard. Each player receives a set of player cards and recommendation cards. The master cards are also distributed, but their scores are kept hidden to add a layer of strategy. The game is ready to play once all components are laid out and each player understands their roles and the basic rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Number of players: 3 to 5

Play time: 15-30 minutes

Target age: 7 and above

Game mechanics:
– Players place recommendation cards on Japanese accessory tiles to vote on who should acquire each accessory.
– The player with the most votes wins the accessory, unless there is a tie, in which case the runner-up wins.
– Players must manage their scores carefully to avoid exceeding their master’s score, which would result in being eliminated as a “non-deliverable”.

Game objective: Collect Japanese accessories to achieve the highest total score while avoiding exceeding the master’s score.

Player Experience

Izayoi offers a unique blend of simplicity and strategic depth. The game is easy to learn but challenging to master, as players need to balance their own score with the risk of exceeding their master’s score. The game encourages strategic thinking and social interaction, as players must negotiate and use special cards to their advantage. The beautiful, traditional Japanese accessories and the short playtime make it an appealing option for both casual and experienced gamers.

Pros

Easy to learn: Simple rules make it accessible to a wide range of players.

Strategic depth: Requires careful score management and tactical placement of cards.

Social interaction: Encourages negotiation and voting among players.

Cultural insight: Provides a glimpse into traditional Japanese accessories and their significance.

Short playtime: Games can be completed in 15-30 minutes.

Cons

Limited player range: Best with 3 to 5 players; not ideal for solo or large group play.

Rules complexity: While the basic rules are simple, the scoring and elimination mechanics can be confusing at first.

Luck factor: The outcome can be influenced by chance, especially with special cards and ties in voting.

Personal Thoughts on Izayoi

Izayoi is perfect for those who enjoy light, strategic games with a unique cultural twist. It is an excellent choice for families or casual game nights, as it is easy to learn and plays quickly. For fans of Japanese culture, the game offers an engaging way to learn about traditional accessories while enjoying a fun and competitive experience. However, it may not appeal to players seeking complex, long-term strategy games or those who prefer solo play.

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