Gunkimono (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Gunkimono is a board game that was released in 2018 and designed by George Sellas. It is set in a medieval world where players compete to build the most prestigious territories through strategic tile placement and hand management. The game features beautiful artwork by Renegade Game Studios and offers a unique blend of enclosure, layering, and open drafting mechanics.

Game Components of Gunkimono

Two-sided tiles, each with two different colors

Single-color, half-sized pieces for each player

Stronghold symbols and corresponding honor tracks

Victory point markers

Stronghold tokens (castles)

How To Setup Gunkimono

To set up Gunkimono, each player starts with a hand of three full-size tiles and five single-color, half-sized pieces. The board is empty at the beginning, and players take turns placing their tiles. There is no specific starting configuration; the game begins as soon as the tiles are distributed.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Placement: Players lay one two-colored tile per turn, connecting it to existing formations on the board.

Scoring: For each half of the tile, players can either score victory points based on the size of the contiguous colored area or gain honor points by matching the stronghold symbols.

Honor Tracks: Advancing equally on five color-corresponding honor tracks unlocks strongholds, which can be placed on the board to secure areas.

Blocking: Players can strategically place tiles to expand their own formations or disrupt others.

Objective: Balance short-term point scoring with long-term strategies to unlock strongholds and secure territories.

Player Experience

Gunkimono is a game that thrives on adaptability and tactical thinking. It is not a game where you can plan far ahead, but rather one that constantly presents new choices and challenges. Players must juggle the immediate temptation to score points with the long-term goal of unlocking strongholds. The game feels like a tactical version of Tetris, with each move potentially altering the board significantly.

Pros

High Replayability: The random tile draw and dynamic board ensure each game is unique.

Strategic Depth: Balancing short-term and long-term goals adds complexity and engagement.

Accessibility: Simple rules make it easy for new players to learn.

Cutthroat Cunning: Opportunities to disrupt opponents’ strategies add a competitive edge.

Cons

Theme Integration: The feudal Japan theme is not deeply integrated into the gameplay mechanics.

Planning Limitations: Lack of long-term planning opportunities can be frustrating for some players.

Luck of the Draw: Tile draws can significantly impact strategy, introducing an element of luck.

Personal Thoughts on Gunkimono

Gunkimono is ideal for players who enjoy abstract strategy and tactical gameplay. It is suitable for 2-5 players and typically takes under an hour to play, making it a great fit for those looking for a fast-paced, mentally engaging game. While the theme may not be overly compelling, the gameplay mechanics and strategic depth make it a worthwhile addition to any board game collection.

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