Hida-furukawa (2017) Board Game

Hida-furukawa is a board game released in 2017 by designer Hims Chu and artist Kay Cheung. It is published by Capstone HK Ltd. The game is set in the city of Hida-furukawa in Japan, where players take on the role of builders competing to construct the most prestigious buildings in town.

Game Components of Hida-furukawa

Property cards

Special property cards with various effects

Bidding tokens

Game board representing the town of Hida-Furukawa

How To Setup Hida-furukawa

To set up the game, each player receives a set of bidding tokens. The game board is laid out, showing the available land spaces where properties can be placed. Six property cards are drawn and placed face down for each round of bidding.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Bidding Mechanic: Players bid on face-down property cards, with the active player making the initial bid. Other players then bid simultaneously by placing their bids in their fists and revealing them at the same time.

Bluffing Mechanic: Players have limited information about the cards up for bidding, adding an element of bluffing to outmaneuver competitors.

Game Objective: The goal is to acquire and strategically place property cards to earn bonus points for convenient locations. The game is played over six rounds.

Special Property Cards: These cards have six different effects that can influence gameplay.

Advanced Mode and 2-Player Variant: The game includes variations for different player counts and advanced gameplay.

Player Experience

In Hida-furukawa, players take on the roles of merchants in the Edo period, competing to set up stores in the most beneficial locations. The game combines strategic bidding with the art of bluffing, making each round engaging and unpredictable. Players must balance the risk of overbidding with the potential rewards of securing valuable properties.

Pros

Engaging Bidding Mechanic: The simultaneous bidding system adds excitement and unpredictability.

Strategic Depth: Players need to balance risk and reward, making it a game that requires strategy.

Historical Setting: The game offers a unique historical context, adding a layer of theme and immersion.

Variability: Includes special property cards and different game modes to keep gameplay fresh.

Cons

Limited Information: Players may feel frustrated by the lack of information about the property cards.

Short Playing Time: The game is relatively short, lasting only 30 minutes, which might not be enough for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Hida-furukawa

Hida-furukawa is ideal for players who enjoy strategic bidding and bluffing games. It is suitable for families and casual gamers due to its simple rules and short playing time, yet it also offers enough depth for experienced players to appreciate. The game is particularly good for those interested in historical settings and city-building themes. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking longer, more complex game sessions.

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