Cir*Kis (2009) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Cir*Kis is an abstract strategy board game that was released in in 2009. It is designed by Phil Orbanes Sr. and features artwork by Hasbro and Winning Moves Games (USA). The game is suitable for 2 to 4 players, with a recommended age of 8 and up. Cir*Kis is known for its unique gameplay mechanics involving area majority/influence, pattern building, and tile placement.

Game Components of Cir*Kis

Game board

Pieces in various colors for each player

Scoring pegs

Special silver pieces

How To Setup Cir*Kis

To set up the game, place the board so that each player sits at one of the corners. Each player chooses a color, takes all the pieces and the scoring peg of that color, and places their scoring peg on the zero space on their scoring track. The youngest player starts the game by playing a piece that must be at least partially inside the center star or circle.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Key Mechanics

Piece Placement: Players take turns placing pieces next to the last piece played, either touching by side or by corner.

Shape Completion: Completing circles or stars on the board scores points.

Bonus Turns: Earned by playing a piece in a fully filled adjacent space, completing the center star, or placing the first silver piece.

Scoring: The player controlling the most segments of a completed shape scores 10 points; the player completing the shape scores 5 points if they do not control the majority.

Game Objective

The objective is to score the most points by completing shapes and strategically placing pieces. The game ends when a player reaches 40 or more points, runs out of pieces, or when all players must pass simultaneously.

Player Experience

Cir*Kis offers a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience, keeping all players close in the competition. The game is known for its momentum swings, making it possible for any player to win until the very end. However, in a four-player game, individual strategy is somewhat limited due to the unpredictability of tile placements, relying more on luck and other players’ mistakes.

Pros

Engaging Gameplay: Keeps players engaged with frequent scoring opportunities and dynamic strategies.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above, making it a great family game night option.

Strategic Depth: Although simple to start, the game involves strategic thinking, especially in controlling shapes and earning bonus turns.

Cons

Limited Control in 4-Player Games: Individual strategy is limited in four-player games due to the unpredictability of tile placements.

Dependence on Other Players: Scoring points often requires cooperation or strategic manipulation of other players’ moves.

Potential for Stalemates: Players can make it difficult for others to score points, leading to a defensive playstyle towards the end of the game.

Personal Thoughts on Cir*Kis

Cir*Kis is ideal for families and casual gamers looking for a game that is easy to learn but challenging to master. It encourages strategic thinking and adaptability, making it a great addition to any board game collection. However, for those seeking deep, complex strategies, Cir*Kis might not fully satisfy, especially in four-player scenarios. Nonetheless, it remains a fun and interactive game that can be enjoyed by a wide range of players.

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