Yomi: Round 2 (2014) Board Game

Yomi: Round 2 is a card game designed by Sirlin Games and was released in in 2014. It is a fantasy fighting card game that combines elements of hand management, rock-paper-scissors, simultaneous action selection, and variable player powers. The game is set in the world of Yomi, where players take on the roles of different fighters battling it out in an epic showdown.

Game Components of Yomi: Round 2

4 character decks, each with complete stat reference cards

Game board

4 gems for tracking life totals

How To Setup Yomi: Round 2

To set up Yomi: Round 2, start by distributing the character decks to the players. Each player selects a deck and places it within reach. The game board is used to track the life totals of each player, with the 4 gems serving as markers. Ensure each player has access to their stat reference cards for quick reference during the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Hand Management: Players must manage their cards carefully to make strategic decisions.

Rock-Paper-Scissors: The game employs a simultaneous action selection mechanism, similar to Rock-Paper-Scissors.

Simultaneous Action Selection: Players play cards face down and reveal them simultaneously.

Variable Player Powers: Each character deck has unique abilities and strategies.

Game Objective:

The objective is to reduce your opponent’s life total to zero by making strategic card plays and anticipating your opponent’s moves.

Player Experience

Yomi: Round 2 offers a deep and strategic gameplay experience, akin to games like Poker or Magic: The Gathering. Players must use ranges and play the odds to achieve a positive win percentage over multiple games. It is recommended to play in best-of-five or best-of-seven matches to mitigate the impact of randomness in a single game. The game requires a good understanding of probability and strategic decision-making.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Yomi has a rich strategic layer, appealing to players who enjoy complex decision-making.

Balanced Design: David Sirlin’s careful balance of the game ensures fairness and long-term replayability.

Complete Game: Unlike free-to-play models, Yomi is a complete game upon purchase, with no hidden costs.

Accessibility: Players who enjoy fighting games but struggle with the stick movements can find Yomi as a satisfying alternative.

Cons

Randomness: The game involves a level of randomness, which may not appeal to players sensitive to unpredictability.

Initial Misunderstanding: New players may initially think they can deduce their opponent’s moves, but the game is more about playing the odds.

Artwork and Design: Some players find the art style and character designs uninspired.

Personal Thoughts on Yomi: Round 2

Yomi: Round 2 is ideal for players who appreciate deep strategy and are comfortable with the levels of randomness found in games like Poker or Magic: The Gathering. If you enjoy the conceptual aspects of fighting games but prefer a more cerebral approach, Yomi is a great middle ground. However, if you are sensitive to randomness or prefer games with minimal unpredictability, you might want to consider other options. For those intrigued, the game can be tried for free on the Fantasy Strike website to get a firsthand experience.

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