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Goryō (2019) Board Game

ByMichail

Goryō is a two-player deduction board game released in in 2019. Designed by Nicola Angius, this game challenges players to outwit each other in a battle of wits and strategy. With a runtime of 20-30 minutes, Goryō is suitable for players aged 10 and up, making it a great option for families or casual gamers.

Game Components of Goryō

  • Beautifully colored temple board
  • Artistic player screen for the Goryō player to hide their movements
  • Plastic pieces and cubes
  • Cardboard tiles for the map
  • Wood tokens to represent the Goryō and the samurai
  • Double-sided artifact tiles
  • Insert for piece storage in the box
  • Dry-erase board for the Goryō player’s secret movements.

    How To Setup Goryō

    To set up Goryō, players need to assemble the temple board, distribute the artifact tiles, and each player must prepare their respective components. The Goryō player sets up their secret dry-erase board, which is identical to the main board, while the samurai player places their pawns and tokens on the main board. The game also includes double-sided artifact tiles that need to be placed on the board, which can be sealed by the samurai player as the game progresses.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Mechanics:

  • Action Queue
  • Grid Movement
  • Programmed Movement
  • Variable Player Powers

    Game Objective:

  • Goryō Player:** Must smash 5 objects in the palace’s rooms without being defeated by the samurai. The Goryō appears as a cat bound to a specific type of object and must break objects while misleading the samurai.
  • Samurai Player:** Must exorcise the Goryō by finding out what type of object it is bound to or by catching the Goryō’s essence three times.

    Player Experience

    Goryō offers a dynamic and immersive experience with its hidden movement mechanics. The Goryō player plans their route to break objects while using movement cubes on their secret board to mislead the samurai. The samurai player uses their available actions to chase the Goryō, moving pawns on the map and organizing their catch. This game requires strategic thinking and roleplay, making it engaging for both players as they try to outthink each other.

    Pros

  • Engaging Mechanics:** The game features a captivating tug-of-war between the Goryō and the samurai, keeping players on their toes.
  • Beautiful Design:** The board and pieces are stunning, with a unique and portable design.
  • Quick Gameplay:** Each game takes about 20-30 minutes, allowing for multiple plays in a single session.
  • Immersive Roleplay:** Players are encouraged to step into their respective roles, adding to the game’s enjoyment.

    Cons

  • Complex Rules:** The rule book can be challenging to understand, with some translation issues and the need for additional clarifications.
  • Static Board:** The board design does not change between games, and some components, like the double-sided artifact tiles, could be improved for easier setup.

    Personal Thoughts on Goryō

    Goryō is ideal for players who enjoy asymmetrical games and hidden movement mechanics. It is a great choice for couples or friends looking for a strategic and engaging game that encourages roleplay and strategic thinking. While it may have someLearning curve due to the complex rules, the overall experience is rewarding and immersive, making it a unique addition to any board game collection.

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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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