Bakari (2002) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Bakari is an abstract strategy board game that was released in 2002 by designer Virginia Charves and published by Tactic. The game is designed for 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 7 and up. The game features a 12 x 12 grid board and involves strategic gameplay to outwit your opponents.

Game Components of Bakari

19 playing pieces: 6 orange, 6 red, 4 green, and 3 white

Game board featuring an African jungle theme

Animal symbol cards that act as blockers

Wooden game pieces and board with a tribal design

How To Setup Bakari

To set up Bakari, place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects their set of colored playing pieces based on the number of players. For a two-player game, use the orange and red pieces; for a three-player game, add the green pieces, and for a four-player game, include all the pieces. The animal symbol cards are shuffled and placed face down on designated spaces on the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Be the first player to move all your playing pieces from one side of the board to the other and off the board.

Gameplay:
– Players take turns moving their pieces across the board.
– Each turn, a player must stop when they encounter the current animal blocker.
– When a player moves a piece off the board, they draw three animal symbol cards, choose one to be the new blocker, and discard the rest.
– The chosen animal cannot be used as a blocker again immediately.
– Strategy involves positioning pieces to avoid blockers and timing the move off the board to change the blocker effectively.

Player Experience

Playing Bakari is a blend of strategic thinking and tactical maneuvering. The game requires players to balance the need to move quickly with the necessity of planning ahead to avoid the blockers. The African jungle theme adds a visually appealing element, while the changing blockers introduce an element of unpredictability, making each game unique.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Despite its simple premise, the game involves significant strategic thinking.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players as young as seven, making it a great family game.

Quick Playtime: Games typically last about half an hour.

Thematic Appeal: The African jungle theme and wooden pieces add to the game’s aesthetic.

Cons

Limited Player Pieces: The game has fewer pieces than needed for all players, which can lead to some pieces not being used in certain game configurations.

Repetitive Mechanics: The gameplay can become somewhat mechanical, with players repeating similar moves and blocker changes.

Personal Thoughts on Bakari

Bakari is an excellent game for families and casual gamers looking for a strategic yet accessible experience. It’s particularly good for younger players to develop their critical thinking and planning skills. However, experienced gamers might find the mechanics a bit too simple and repetitive. Overall, it’s a great introduction to abstract strategy games and a fun, thematic experience for those who enjoy a light to moderate level of complexity.

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