Daruma is a dice rolling and push your luck party game designed by Jesús Fuentes and illustrated by Perro Loko Games. It was released in 2023 and is suitable for 2 to 5 players, with the ideal player count being 3 to
The game has a quick runtime of 20 to 40 minutes and is recommended for players aged 8 and up.Game Components of Daruma
60 Daruma cards: Each card has its own powers and scoring values.8 Dice: Used for executing combos and filling the eyes of the Darumas.A Tanuki card: Adds a twist to the gameplay.12 Round Tiles: Part of the game board setup.A round token: Used for tracking or marking certain game states.5 Daruma Eye Counters: For tracking the filled eyes of the Darumas.6 Objective Cards: Define specific goals or challenges for players.1 Reference Card: Helps players remember the rules and powers of the cards.
How To Setup Daruma
To set up the game, players first arrange the round tiles to form the game board. Each player starts with a set of Daruma cards, and the dice are placed within reach of all players. The Tanuki card and objective cards are also distributed according to the game’s rules. The Daruma eye counters are used to mark the progress on each Daruma card.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Push-your-luck Mechanics: Players take turns throwing the dice to execute combos and fill the eyes of the Darumas.Combo Execution: Players use ‘1’ on the dice to fill the eyes of the Darumas, which activates the powers of the cards.Scoring: Each Daruma card has a scoring value; filling both eyes of a Daruma earns the card for scoring at the end of the game.Risk Management: If a player rolls four ‘4’s, their turn ends without earning any Darumas.Gifting Darumas: Players can gift their Darumas to other players to regain dice.Objective Completion: Players aim to collect the most valuable Daruma cards to score the highest points.
Player Experience
Daruma offers a dynamic and engaging experience with its simple yet strategic gameplay. Players must balance the risk of rolling the dice against the reward of completing combos and filling the eyes of the Darumas. The game encourages social interaction through the gifting mechanic, adding a layer of tactical decision-making.
Pros
Easy to Learn: The game rules are straightforward, making it accessible to players of all ages.High Replayability: The dice rolls and combo executions ensure that each game is unique.Social Interaction: The ability to gift Darumas adds a fun and interactive element.Family-Friendly: Suitable for both children and adults, making it a great addition to family game nights.
Cons
Luck Factor: The game heavily relies on dice rolls, which can lead to frustration if luck is not on your side.Limited Deep Strategy: While there is strategy involved, the game’s depth is somewhat limited by its reliance on luck.
Personal Thoughts on Daruma
Daruma is perfect for those who enjoy light-hearted, family-friendly games that still offer a bit of strategic depth. It’s ideal for game nights where the focus is on having fun rather than delving into complex rules or deep strategic planning. The game’s appeal lies in its simplicity and the excitement of pushing your luck to achieve the best combos. If you’re looking for a game that combines social interaction with a touch of luck and strategy, Daruma is an excellent choice.
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