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Zong Shi (2012) Board Game

ByMichail

Zong Shi is a board game released in 2012, designed by Kevin G. Nunn and published by Eagle-Gryphon Games. The game is set in a medieval theme and combines set collection and worker placement mechanics to challenge players in strategic decision-making.

Game Components of Zong Shi

  • Master, apprentice, and Buddha miniatures
  • High-quality components, including a sturdy game box
  • Resource tokens
  • Project cards
  • Scrolls of fortune
  • Exchange tiles
  • Specialist mastery cards
  • Workshop expansion components
  • Action cards providing obstacles and opportunities

    How To Setup Zong Shi

    To set up Zong Shi, players begin by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a Master artisan and an apprentice, and places them on the board. The resource tokens are distributed to the marketplace, and each player receives a set of starting resources and project cards. The scrolls of fortune and exchange tiles are also prepared and placed within reach of all players.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Category:** Worker placement, resource management
  • Number of Players:** 3-5
  • Age Range:** 13 and up
  • Playtime:** Approximately 75-90 minutes
  • Objective:** To become the most proficient Master artisan by collecting resources, completing projects, visiting town dignitaries, and obtaining scrolls of fortune.
  • Key Mechanics:**
    – Worker placement: Players send their Master and apprentice to various locations to collect resources, work on projects, and interact with town dignitaries.
    – Resource management: Managing resources to complete projects and maintain workshop efficiency.
    – Project completion: Completing projects to earn victory points.
    – Special actions: Using action cards to overcome obstacles or gain advantages.

    Player Experience

    In Zong Shi, players experience a blend of strategic planning and tactical execution. The game requires balancing the actions of both the Master and the apprentice, who have different capabilities and efficiencies. Players must decide whether to focus on numerous small projects or invest in a few large masterworks, and how to best utilize their resources and specialist mastery. The game’s theme is well-integrated with its mechanics, making the experience immersive and engaging.

    Pros

  • High-quality components:** The game features outstanding component quality, including detailed miniatures and sturdy packaging.
  • Engaging theme:** The ancient Chinese setting and the aspiration to become a Grand Master craftsman are well-implemented and engaging.
  • Strategic depth:** The game offers several strategies and challenging choices, making it appealing to players who enjoy strategic gameplay.
  • Balanced mechanics:** The combination of worker placement, resource management, and project completion creates a well-balanced gameplay experience.

    Cons

  • Familiarity:** Released after a significant delay, the game’s mechanics may feel less novel compared to other worker placement games available at the time of its release.
  • Apprentice limitations:** The apprentice’s poor working habits and limited capabilities can sometimes make the gameplay feel somewhat repetitive or restrictive.

    Personal Thoughts on Zong Shi

    Zong Shi is a solid game that will appeal to fans of worker placement and resource management games. While it may not offer anything groundbreaking due to its delayed release, it remains enjoyable and challenging, especially for those less familiar with the genre. It is a good choice for players looking for a game with deep strategic elements and a well-integrated theme. Experienced gamers may still find it satisfying, despite the familiarity of its mechanics, due to its well-developed design and high-quality components.

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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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