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KINMO (2015) Board Game

ByMichail

KINMO is a board game that was released in in 2015. It was designed by María M. Aramburu, Juliana Bernabeu, and Martín Laksman. The game falls under the categories of Animals, Bluffing, Card Game, and Negotiation. With a playtime of 5-25 minutes, KINMO is suitable for players aged 10 and above. The game is all about hand management, set collection, and take that mechanics.

Game Components of Kimono Memories

  • Cards:** Each player starts with a starting card, and there are additional cards placed around the board.
  • Board:** Represents a street in Kyoto where players move and take photos.
  • Pattern Scoring Markers:** Used to track progress in different color patterns.
  • Scoring Tiles:** For final scoring.
  • Cat Tokens:** Awarded for matching patterns and add points at the end.
  • Prop Cards:** Special cards that provide bonus points or disrupt opponents.

    How To Setup Kimono Memories

    To set up the game, each player receives a starting card that indicates their side of the board. The board is placed as indicated, and Pattern Scoring Markers are added to the center spaces. Eight cards are shuffled and placed face-up in a circle around the board, with two more placed face-up in the Reward Display. The Pattern Markers, Scoring Tiles, and Cat Tokens are set aside. The game is ready to start once a player is chosen to go first.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Player Movement:** Players can move their photographer one, two, or three cards forward on the board each turn.
  • Card Drafting:** The last card moved over is kept and placed in the player’s album.
  • Album Building:** Cards can be placed to the left or right of existing cards or above the connection between two cards, forming a pyramid.
  • Pattern Creation:** Matching colors between cards advance Pattern Scoring Markers and potentially award Pattern Tokens or Cat Tokens.
  • Final Scoring:** Players score points for each pattern, add bonus cards from the Reward Display, and gain points for Cat Tokens and icons visible on their pyramids.

    Player Experience

    “Kimono Memories” offers a dynamic drafting game experience with a unique circular movement mechanism. Players must strategically place cards to maximize their score, balancing the need to keep icons open and high in their pyramids. The game is engaging and visually appealing, with artwork that feels classic and artisanal.

    Pros

  • Engaging Gameplay:** The game converts the I-cut-you-choose mechanism into an interesting and dynamic drafting game.
  • Visual Appeal:** Maisherly Chan’s artwork is highly praised for its color work and cohesive style.
  • Strategic Depth:** Players must use inventive planning to navigate the game and maximize their scores.
  • Interactive Elements:** The use of Cat Tokens and Prop Cards adds an entertaining layer of strategy.

    Cons

  • Limited Player Count:** The game is designed for two players only.
  • Space Requirements:** The game requires more space than it initially seems, due to the expanding pyramid structure.

    Personal Thoughts on Kimono Memories

    “Kimono Memories” is ideal for fans of competitive two-player games who appreciate strategic depth and beautiful artwork. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy drafting and card placement mechanics, as well as players looking for a game that combines cultural themes with engaging gameplay. Despite its limited player count, it offers a rich and satisfying experience that makes it a standout in the Hanamikoji family of 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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