Haru Ichiban (2014) Board Game

Haru Ichiban is a two-player abstract strategy game designed by Bruno Cathala and released in in 2014. The game features beautiful artwork by William Aubert and Stefano Collavini, and it is published by Ace Studios. With a playtime of around 20 minutes, Haru Ichiban is suitable for players aged 8 and up.

Game Components of Haru Ichiban

Game board featuring a pond

Colored water lily tiles

Lily pad tiles

Wind token

How To Setup Haru Ichiban

To set up the game, players arrange the lily pad tiles to form a pond on the game board. Each player starts with a set of colored water lily tiles. The wind token is placed on the board to indicate the direction of the wind.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Turns: Players take turns placing colored water lily tiles on the lily pads.

Wind Mechanic: The wind token indicates the direction in which the water lilies will move after each placement.

Objective: The goal is to create harmonious patterns of water lilies on the pond, utilizing the wind to your advantage.

Player Experience

In **Haru Ichiban**, players engage in a strategic and logical game of planting and arranging colored water lilies. The game requires careful planning and anticipation of how the wind will affect the placement of the lilies. It is a quiet, thoughtful game that encourages players to think ahead and adapt to the changing conditions of the pond.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers significant strategic depth for a two-player abstract strategy game.

Attractive Components: The game components, such as the water lily and lily pad tiles, are visually appealing and well-designed.

Simple yet Engaging: The gameplay is easy to learn but challenging to master.

Cons

Limited Player Count: The game is designed for only two players, limiting its appeal for larger groups.

Repetitive Gameplay: Some players might find the repetitive nature of placing and moving tiles monotonous.

Personal Thoughts on Haru Ichiban

**Haru Ichiban** is ideal for fans of abstract strategy games and those who enjoy quiet, thoughtful gameplay. It is particularly suited for couples or pairs of friends who enjoy competitive yetcalm gaming experiences. While it may not be the best fit for large groups or those seeking high-energy games, it offers a unique and engaging experience for those who appreciate strategic planning and beautiful game components.

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