Kōhaku (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Kōhaku is an abstract strategy board game that was released in in 2020. Designed by Danny Devine and featuring artwork by Gold Seal Games, this game is suitable for players aged 10 and above. Kōhaku is set in a world where players take on the role of koi fish trying to create the most beautiful and harmonious pond.

Game Components of Kōhaku

55 Koi Tiles

20 Pond Tiles

16 Bonus Tiles

1 Rulebook

How To Setup Kōhaku

Place the pond tiles in the center of the table to form the pond.

Shuffle the koi tiles and place them face down in a pile.

Each player receives a starting hand of koi tiles.

Place the bonus tiles nearby.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Kōhaku, players take turns drafting and placing koi tiles to create patterns in their pond. The objective is to create the most harmonious and beautiful pond by strategically placing koi tiles and collecting bonus tiles.

Player Experience

Pros:

Beautiful artwork and thematic elements

Strategic depth in tile placement

Solo and multiplayer options

Cons:

Limited player interaction

Some may find the gameplay repetitive

Personal Thoughts on Kōhaku

Kōhaku is a visually stunning game with a unique theme that sets it apart from other abstract strategy games. The build quality of the components is excellent, and the gameplay is engaging for those who enjoy puzzle-like challenges. However, the lack of player interaction may deter some from fully enjoying the game. In terms of pricing and availability, Kōhaku is reasonably priced for the quality of components provided. For those who enjoy abstract strategy games with a touch of thematic elements, Kōhaku is definitely worth a try. However, those who prefer more player interaction may want to skip this game in favor of something with more dynamic gameplay.

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