Danmaku!! (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Danmaku!! is a board game released in 2016, designed by Finni Chang, Zachary Francks, and Alice Jing. The game falls under the categories of bluffing, card game, deduction, fantasy, and fighting. It is known for its unique gameplay mechanics and variable player powers.

Game Components of Danmaku!!

Role cards: 16 cards, each with its own goal.

Heroine and Rival card: 1 each.

Partner cards: 4 cards.

Stage Boss cards: 6 cards.

Extra Boss cards: 4 cards.

Main Deck cards: 80 cards.

Incident cards: 16 cards.

Character cards: 24 double-sized cards.

Quick reference cards: 6 cards.

Bonus Character cards: 2 cards.

How To Setup Danmaku!!

Before playing, separate the cards into piles based on their types. Each card type has a differently colored face to help in organization. Players start with a set hand size and life points, with the Heroine starting with 5 life points and all other players starting with 4 life points.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Role Cards: Each player has a role card with its own goal.

Spell Card System: Players can activate one Spell Card per round, which can be actions or reactions.

Danmaku Cards: Players can play one Danmaku card per round to attack other players.

Bomb Cards: Can cancel Danmaku or Spell Cards.

Incident Cards: Add complexity and challenges to the game.

Objective: Figure out allies and foes, and work together or alone to achieve individual goals. The game is won when a player or players complete their goal, but defeated players cannot declare victory unless their goal is completed by a teammate.

Player Experience

Danmaku!! offers a dynamic and interactive experience, blending the worlds of card games and shoot’em-up mechanics. Players must strategize about who to trust and how to use their Spell Cards and Danmaku attacks effectively. The game is known for its gorgeous anime-style illustrations and its faithful tribute to the Touhou franchise.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: Combines social deduction with action-packed card play.

Touhou Theme: A love letter to the Touhou franchise, appealing to fans of the series.

High Replayability: Multiple roles and incident cards ensure varied gameplay experiences.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules but deep strategy.

Cons

Print-and-Play Challenges: Standard paper can be difficult to handle; recommends using card sleeves and existing cards for stability.

Complex Setup: Separating and organizing the various card types can be time-consuming.

Personal Thoughts on Danmaku!!

Danmaku!! is ideal for fans of the Touhou series and those who enjoy party card games with a mix of strategy and social deduction. It offers a unique blend of mechanics that make it both fun and challenging, making it a great addition to any gaming collection. However, it may appeal more to those already familiar with the Touhou universe, although its engaging gameplay can attract new players as well.

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