Hanamikoji is a 2-player card game that was released in 2013 and designed by Kota Nakayama. The game is set in a medieval Japanese setting, where players take on the role of competing geisha house owners trying to win the favor of influential geishas.
Game Components of Hanamikoji
Cards: A deck of 21 cards numbered 2 through 5 in seven different colors, each representing a specific gift.Geisha Cards: 7 beautifully illustrated cards depicting geishas, each with a preference for a particular gift.Tokens: Not explicitly mentioned, but the game primarily uses the cards for tracking.
How To Setup Hanamikoji
To set up Hanamikoji, shuffle the deck of gift cards and remove one card without showing it to either player. Deal six cards to each player. Place the seven geisha cards in a row between the players. Each geisha card has a specific preference for a gift, indicated by the color and number.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Mechanics
I-split-you-choose: Players present their opponent with sets of cards, and the opponent chooses one, leaving the player with the remainder.Card Reservation: Players can reserve a card to be played at the end of the round.Card Discard: Players can discard two cards to remove them from the round.Deduction and Bluffing: Players must guess their opponent’s moves and adjust their strategy accordingly.
Game Objective
The objective is to win the favor of four geishas or accumulate a total of 11 points from the geishas.Each round, players draw cards and take one of four possible actions: reserve a card, discard two cards, or present sets of cards to their opponent.The player with the most cards of the geisha’s preferred gift on their side wins that geisha’s favor.
Player Experience
Playing Hanamikoji is an intense and thought-provoking experience. Each turn involves making crucial decisions that can significantly impact the game’s outcome. The game is marked by its simplicity in rules but complexity in strategy, requiring players to constantly think ahead and anticipate their opponent’s moves. Games typically last between 10 to 15 minutes, and it’s rare for them to stretch beyond three rounds.
Pros
Simple to Learn: The rules are straightforward, making it easy to teach and start playing quickly.High Replayability: The game offers a high degree of replayability due to the random draw of cards and the need for dynamic strategy.Beautiful Artwork: The game features beautifully illustrated cards by Taiwanese artist Maisherly.Portable: The game is highly portable due to its small size.Engaging Gameplay: It provides a microcosm of the best highs and lows of the tabletop hobby in a short amount of time.
Cons
Strategically Complex: While the rules are simple, the game requires a lot of strategic thinking and deduction, which can be challenging.Emotionally Troublesome: Losing can feel emotionally taxing due to the high impact of each decision.Color Blindness Issue: The color palette may not be fully accessible for players with color blindness.
Personal Thoughts on Hanamikoji
Hanamikoji is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card games with a strong focus on deduction and bluffing. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate games that are easy to learn but challenging to master. The game’s short playtime and high replayability make it a great addition to any two-player game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a more casual or light-hearted experience, as it demands a significant amount of strategic thinking and can be quite intense.
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