Eiyo (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Eiyo is a card game designed by Matthew Mizak and released in in 2020. It is a solo or two-player game that combines elements of hand management, events, and victory points as a resource. The game is set in a fantasy world where players must navigate through a deck of cards to achieve victory.

Game Components of Eiyo

Deck of 80 cards: Includes enemy cards and weapon cards.

Four metal coins: Used to highlight which row of attackers you’re deflecting.

Rulebook: Available in multiple languages such as English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.

How To Setup Eiyo

To set up Eiyo, you need to shuffle the deck of cards and draw a starting hand of weapon cards. The enemy cards are also shuffled and placed in rows, representing the oncoming attackers. The metal coins are used to mark which row of enemies you are targeting each turn. Setup is relatively quick, taking only a few minutes to prepare the game for play.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Deck Management: Manage your deck of weapon cards to defeat enemies.

Turn-Based: Each turn involves drawing cards, playing weapons, and resolving enemy attacks.

Resource Management: Use metal coins to indicate which enemies to deflect.

Objective: Survive the attacks of the enemies and accumulate honor points. The game ends when all enemies are defeated or the player’s health is depleted. The goal is to reach a minimum score to officially win.

Player Experience

Eiyo offers a Zen-like experience, combining the intensity of a samurai battle with a calming and soothing gameplay mechanic. The game feels like playing a game of patience or solitaire, where you draw cards, decide which actions to take, and resolve the effects. Despite its simplicity, the game is addictive, with players aiming to beat their previous scores. The beautiful illustrations and clear card art enhance the overall experience, making it easy to visualize the martial-arts film-like scenario unfolding before you.

Pros

Engaging but Relaxing: Combines intensity with a calming experience.

Addictive: Encourages players to beat their previous scores.

Quick Gameplay: Games last around 20 minutes.

Beautiful Artwork: The illustrations by Matthew Mizak are clear and aesthetically pleasing.

Simple to Learn: Easy to understand after a couple of reads of the rulebook.

Cons

Limited Multiplayer: Best played solo, though it can be played with two players.

Setup and Cleanup: While quick, setting up and cleaning up the game can take a little time.

No Deep Strategy: The game is more about tactics and hoping for the best rather than deep strategic planning.

Personal Thoughts on Eiyo

Eiyo is ideal for those who enjoy solo games or are looking to try one out. It’s a great introduction to solo gaming due to its simplicity and engaging gameplay. Even players who prefer multiplayer games may find themselves drawn to Eiyo’s addictive nature and the satisfaction of beating their own scores. If you’re a fan of card games, beautiful artwork, and a relaxing yet intense experience, Eiyo is definitely worth checking out.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.