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Momiji (2021) Board Game

ByMichail

Momiji is a card game released in 2021 by Deer Games. Designed by Dario Massarenti and Francesco Testini, with artwork by Apolline Etienne, Momiji is a game that combines hand management, memory, open drafting, set collection, and variable player powers.

Game Components of Momiji

  • 84-card deck featuring six different leaves as suits with numbers from 0 to 3
  • Torii tokens to mark completed leaf piles
  • Acorn tokens used for various actions
  • Objective tokens with different scoring criteria
  • Landscape ability cards for additional strategies
  • Rulebook

    How To Setup Momiji

    To set up Momiji, players first shuffle the leaf card deck and draw four cards, which are sorted into columns by color and placed in the display area. Five objective tokens are revealed during setup, each requiring activation by a player to score points. Players also receive a starting hand of cards and a set of landscape ability cards, which can be drafted during setup to add variety to the game.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Key Mechanics

  • Set Collection: Players collect and arrange leaf cards into piles by color.
  • Hand Management: Players must manage their hand to achieve objectives.
  • Resource Management: Acorn tokens are used to perform additional actions.
  • Variable Powers: Landscape ability cards offer different strategies.

    Game Objective

  • Collect and arrange leaf cards to create piles that score the most points.
  • Activate objective tokens to gain bonus points.
  • End the game when the Torii pile is empty or the deck runs out, then score the piles and remaining acorns.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Collecting Leaf Cards: Players can collect a column of cards from the display or spend an acorn to reveal and sort additional cards.
  • Activating Objectives: Players can activate one objective token per turn at a cost of three acorns.
  • Landscape Abilities: Players can use landscape ability cards to enhance their strategy.
  • Trading and Scoring: Players can trade cards for acorns and score points based on the size and top card value of their leaf piles.

    Player Experience

    Momiji offers a balanced blend of strategy and simplicity, making it appealing to both casual and experienced gamers. The game rewards attentiveness and card counting, as players need to keep track of the cards in their piles and those of their opponents. The solo mode provides a peaceful experience focused on achieving high scores, while multiplayer introduces competitive elements that enhance the game’s interactivity.

    Pros

  • Beautiful Artwork: The game features stunning, eye-catching art that enhances the table presence.
  • Easy to Learn: The rules are simple and can be picked up within minutes.
  • High Replayability: Variable objective tokens and landscape abilities ensure each game is different.
  • Solo Mode: Offers a satisfying solo play experience with three difficulty levels.
  • Short Playtime: Games last about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick gaming session.

    Cons

  • Less Interactive at Lower Player Counts: The game becomes less interactive with fewer players.
  • Requires Attention to Detail: Card counting and remembering card distributions can be taxing for some players.

    Personal Thoughts on Momiji

    Momiji is designed for fans of set collection and hand management games who appreciate a light yet strategic experience. It is ideal for those who enjoy games like 7 Wonders or Century but are looking for something shorter and more accessible. The game’s beautiful artwork and peaceful theme make it a great addition to any gaming collection, especially for those who appreciate Japanese culture and nature-themed games.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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