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Yashima: Legend of the Kami Masters (2015) Board Game

ByMichail

Yashima: Legend of the Kami Masters is a board game released in 2015 by Greenbrier Games. It is a card game that features collectible components, fantasy elements, fighting mechanics, miniatures, and mythology. The game is designed for 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 14 years and older. Players take on the roles of powerful Kami Masters, with the goal of defeating their opponents in battle.

Game Components of Yashima: Legend of the Kami Masters

  • Characters:** Four unique characters – Rosamu the monk, Hikaru the priestess, Akikio the Fire Sorceress, and Kenta the Ronin Warrior.
  • Kami:** Four nature spirits – The Dragon, The Tiger, The Tortoise, and The Phoenix.
  • Miniatures:** High-detail miniatures for each character.
  • Cards:** Modular decks for characters and Kami, including Battle Decks and Tome cards.
  • Terrain Tiles:** Hex-based terrain tiles for expressing distance and position.
  • Action Tokens:** Tokens for Move or Attack actions.
  • Status Effect Markers:** Markers for effects like Blind and Burn.

    How To Setup Yashima: Legend of the Kami Masters

    Setting up the game involves selecting a character and pairing them with a Kami spirit, creating a unique combination of cards. Each player starts by drawing cards to form their Karma pile, which also determines initiative. Players then place Action tokens on the table and secretly choose their actions. The game includes a simple rulebook that ensures players can start fighting quickly.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Player Count:** 2-4 players.
  • Playing Time:** Approximately 90 minutes, though games typically last around 45 minutes.
  • Age:** 14 and above.
  • Game Objective:** The objective is to defeat other players, with the last player to hit “restoration” winning the game.
  • Card-Driven Combat:** Players use Battle Decks to gain karma and unleash attacks.
  • Modular Decks:** Character and Kami cards are interchangeable, offering 16 playable combinations.
  • Terrain and Positioning:** Hex-based terrain tiles are used to express distance and position.
  • Status Effects:** Effects like Blind and Burn impact character performance.
  • Tome Cards:** Double-sided cards that are flipped over like pages of a book to reveal new abilities.

    Player Experience

    **Yashima: Legend of the Kami Masters** offers a fast-paced and direct fighting experience. Players engage in strategic combat, leveraging the unique abilities of their chosen character and Kami. The game is easy to set up, and the simple rules allow players to start battling quickly. The modular deck system and interchangeable character and Kami combinations provide a high level of replayability.

    Pros

  • Unique Setting:** Uses an underutilized Asian fantasy setting, adding a fresh twist to the genre.
  • Modular Decks:** Offers 16 playable combinations with interchangeable character and Kami cards.
  • Simple Setup:** Easy to learn and set up, with a minimal rulebook.
  • Replayability:** High replay value due to the various character and Kami combinations.
  • Strategic Depth:** Includes intricate combat mechanics with status effects and counter-cardplay.

    Cons

  • Limited Objectives:** The game lacks specific objectives other than defeating opponents.
  • Potential for Expansion:** While the current design is engaging, it feels like an introduction to a larger system that could include more complex scenarios and objectives.
  • Some Mechanics Feel Inconsistent:** Certain mechanics, like the Tome cards, may feel out of place in the game’s setting.

    Personal Thoughts on Yashima: Legend of the Kami Masters

    **Yashima: Legend of the Kami Masters** is ideal for fans of card-driven miniatures games and those who appreciate strategic combat with a unique setting. It is particularly suited for players looking for a fast-paced, direct battle experience with high replayability. While it has great potential, the game may benefit from future expansions that introduce more complex objectives and scenarios to enhance its depth.

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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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