Sakura (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Sakura is an abstract strategy board game designed by Reiner Knizia and published by Arclight Games in in 2018. The game has received positive reviews for its unique gameplay mechanics and beautiful artwork by Kevin Hong. It is designed for 2 to 6 players, with a recommended age of 10 and up.

Game Components of Sakura

Game board

Player tokens

Cherry blossom tiles

Action cards

Score track

How To Setup Sakura

Lay out the game board in the center of the table.

Place the cherry blossom tiles face down in a pile.

Each player selects a color and takes their corresponding player tokens.

Shuffle the action cards and place them within reach of all players.

Determine a starting player and begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Sakura, players take turns moving their tokens along the track to collect cherry blossom tiles. The game revolves around a unique mechanic where players simultaneously select an action card to determine their movement for the turn. The objective of the game is to strategically move your tokens to collect the most cherry blossom tiles and earn the highest score.

Player Experience

Pros:

Beautiful artwork and components

Strategic gameplay that requires careful planning

Simultaneous action selection adds an element of unpredictability

Cons:

Some players may find the game too luck-dependent

Limited player interaction

Personal Thoughts on Sakura

Sakura is a visually stunning game with unique mechanics that set it apart from other abstract strategy games. While the game can be enjoyable for players who appreciate strategic gameplay, it may not appeal to those looking for a high level of player interaction. The build quality of the components is excellent, and the game’s pricing is reasonable for the quality provided. However, availability of the game may vary, so it’s worth checking both new and used options. Alternatives to Sakura include games like Azul and Santorini, which offer similar abstract strategy gameplay. Overall, Sakura is worth your time if you enjoy thoughtful, strategic games and are looking for a visually appealing addition to your collection. Players who prefer highly interactive games may want to skip this one.

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