Tessen (2013) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Tessen, released in 2013, is a 2-player card game designed by Chris Zinsli and Suzanne Zinsli. The game is published by Van Ryder Games and falls under the categories of Animals, Card Game, and Real-time, with game mechanisms such as Hand Management and Set Collection.

Game Components of Tessen

Two player decks, each containing four copies of eight different animal cards and two different warrior cards (9 warriors and 1 super warrior in total).

Animal cards are colored in the corners to help players quickly identify them.

How To Setup Tessen

To set up Tessen, each player shuffles their deck and places it face down in front of them. When both players are ready, they say “Tessen!” to begin the game. Players draw cards from their deck into their hand and start laying them on the table, adhering to a 5-card hand limit.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Real-Time Play: Players draw and play cards simultaneously.

Set Collection: Players aim to gather sets of three or more of the same animal cards to “save” them into their save pile.

Warrior Cards: Warriors can be used to “attack” an opponent’s saved animal cards or “defend” against an opponent’s attack.

Game Objective: The player who saves the most animal cards in their save pile wins the round. The game is won by the first player to win three rounds.

Player Experience

Tessen is known for its quick gameplay, with individual rounds lasting only a few minutes. The game is highly accessible and fun, making it suitable for both casual and serious gamers. Players experience a high level of engagement, as the real-time nature of the game induces excitement and anxiety, particularly when trying to beat the opponent or reacting to their moves.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it easy for new players to jump in.

Fast-Paced: Rounds are quick, making the game perfect for short gaming sessions.

Emotionally Engaging: The game elicits strong emotions, such as excitement and anxiety, as players compete in real-time.

Cons

Skill Disparity: Experienced players may have an advantage over new players due to the need for quick card drawing, comprehension, and play.

Personal Thoughts on Tessen

Tessen is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fast, engaging, and easy-to-learn card game. It’s particularly suitable for couples or friends who enjoy quick, competitive games. While it may favor players with faster reflexes and better strategic thinking, it remains a fun and accessible game for a wide range of players. For its low price and high entertainment value, Tessen is definitely worth considering for your gaming collection.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.