Yokohama (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Yokohama is a board game designed by Hisashi Hayashi and published by OKAZU Brand in in 2016. It is set in the Meiji era in Yokohama, Japan, where players take on the role of merchants trying to establish their trade networks and gain prestige in the city. The game has received critical acclaim for its strategic depth and engaging gameplay.

Game Components of Yokohama

Modular Board: Adjusts in size based on the number of players, with thick cardboard and functional art.

President Pawn and Assistant Cubes: Each player has these to navigate and activate areas on the board.

Shops and Trade Houses: Buildings that provide additional power and rewards when constructed.

Cards: Include contract cards, technology cards, and building site cards, with both Japanese and English text.

Resources and Money: Represented by various tokens, including cardboard chits or wooden resources depending on the edition.

How To Setup Yokohama

To set up Yokohama, players start by constructing the modular board according to the number of players. Each player receives a president pawn, assistant cubes, and some starting shops and trade houses. The remaining components are placed in their respective areas on the board. Building site cards are randomly placed on the board, and each player receives starting order cards and technology cards. The game is ready to begin once all components are distributed and the board is fully set up.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Worker Placement: Players deploy assistant cubes to various areas of the board to activate actions.

Modular Board: The board changes with each game, affecting strategy.

Resource Management: Players manage resources, money, and contracts to achieve their goals.

Technology and Contracts: Players can obtain technology cards and fulfill contracts to gain advantages.

Game Objective

Score Points: Players aim to score points through various means such as building shops and trade houses, fulfilling contracts, and collecting technology cards.

Strategic Expansion: Expand influence across the board by strategically placing assistants and constructing buildings.

Player Experience

Yokohama offers a rich and engaging experience with multiple paths to victory. Players must balance actions for points, manage resources, and navigate the modular board. The game encourages strategic planning and adaptability, as the layout of the board and the availability of resources and contracts can significantly impact gameplay. Interaction between players is indirect but meaningful, with well-placed presidents and buildings potentially disrupting opponents’ plans.

Pros

High Replayability: The modular board and variable card draws ensure a different game each time.

Multiple Paths to Victory: Players can score points in various ways, making the game feel cohesive and dynamic.

Strategic Depth: The game requires careful planning and adaptation, keeping players engaged throughout.

Cons

Analysis Paralysis: The numerous options and strategies can lead to extended decision times for some players.

Initial Complexity: The game can be overwhelming at first due to the numerous components and rules, though the core mechanics are straightforward.

Personal Thoughts on Yokohama

Yokohama is ideal for fans of worker placement and Euro-style games who enjoy strategic depth and replayability. It is a game that rewards careful planning and adaptability, making it suitable for experienced players. However, new players may find the initial setup and rules overwhelming, so it’s recommended to start with fewer players or more experienced groups to fully appreciate the game’s complexity and nuances.

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