Durian (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Durian is a board game released in 2020 by Oink Games. Designed by Masato Uesugi and illustrated by Hiroko Izumida, it falls under the categories of bluffing, card game, and party game. The game is suitable for 2-7 players, with the best experience being for 5-7 players. With a runtime of 20 minutes and an age recommendation of 7+, Durian offers a fun and engaging experience for players of all ages.

Game Components of Durian

Seven wooden card stands

A small handbell

Double-sided order cards with two sets of fruits on each

Gorilla Sibling cards

Angry Manager Tokens

Order Board

How To Setup Durian

To set up Durian, players first distribute the components. Each player takes one card, but they cannot see their own card, only those of the other players. The Order Board is placed in the center, and the deck of order cards is prepared. The game also includes three mischievous gorilla siblings that can disrupt gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Hand Management: Players manage their cards and orders carefully.

Push Your Luck: Players decide when to take risks by accepting orders or ringing the bell.

Deduction: Players must deduce the best actions based on incomplete information.

Game Objective:

Fulfill customer orders without exceeding inventory.

Avoid calling the manager unnecessarily, as this can lead to penalties.

Manage the manager’s anger level, which starts at 1 and can rise to 7, leading to game loss if it reaches 7.

Player Experience

In Durian, players act as shop clerks in a jungle fruit shop, taking orders and managing inventory without knowing what they themselves have. The game is lively and filled with tension, especially when the gorilla manager is called. The three gorilla siblings add an element of surprise and chaos, making each round unpredictable. The game is suited for 2-7 players and takes approximately 20 minutes to play.

Pros

Engaging Bluffing Mechanic: Players must bluff and deduce based on limited information.

Simple yet Strategic: The gameplay is easy to learn but requires strategic thinking.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for children as young as 7 years old.

Compact and Portable: Comes in a compact Oink Games box.

Visual Appeal: Attractive components, including the neon pink gorilla face on the box.

Cons

Higher Player Counts Can Be Slow: The game may drag at higher player counts due to more cards needing to be played.

Dependence on Bluffing: Some players may not enjoy the direct engagement and bluffing aspects.

Risk of Invalid Plays: Players must be cautious not to make invalid plays, which can affect all players.

Personal Thoughts on Durian

Durian is an excellent choice for those who enjoy bluffing and deduction games with a light-hearted, party game twist. It is particularly enjoyable at lower player counts (2-4 players) where the pace is faster and the bluffing mechanics are more pronounced. The game’s simplicity and visual appeal make it accessible to a wide range of players, including families and casual gamers. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer games without direct player interaction or bluffing elements.

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