IKI (2015) Board Game – Board Game Guys

IKI is a board game released in 2015, designed by Koota Yamada and published by UTSUROI. It is set in medieval Japan and features mechanics such as open drafting, ownership, rondel, set collection, track movement, and turn order based on player stats. The game is designed for 2-4 players, with a runtime of 60-90 minutes and is recommended for ages 14 and up.

Game Components of IKI

Main Board: Depicts the circular streets of Edo with various shops and market stalls.

Player Boards: Each player has a personal board for tracking resources and workers.

Meeples: Representing workers that can be hired and placed on the board.

Cards: Artisan cards, resource cards, and event cards.

Tokens: Rice, money, wood, and fire tokens.

Sandal Tokens: Used to adjust movement.

Harmony Bonuses: Awarded for grouping certain buildings and workers.

How To Setup IKI

To set up IKI, place the main board in the center of the table. Each player receives a player board and meeples in their chosen color. Randomize and lay out the card stacks and tokens according to the game’s phases. The board features a year track with spaces for each month and a final space for New Year’s Day, along with shopping areas called Nagayas and a fire track.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Rondel Mechanic: Players move their pawn around a circular track, visiting different shops and taking associated actions.

Worker Placement: Hire and place workers to perform actions and earn experience.

Set Collection: Collect resources and artisans to diversify your staff.

Fire Mechanic: Manage fires that can spread through the market, affecting shops and workers.

Harmony System: Earn bonuses for grouping like-colored buildings and workers.

Game Objective: Accumulate the most points by building, hiring vendors, diversifying staff, and creating harmony in the market.

Player Experience

Playing IKI feels like navigating the vibrant market of Edo, where each turn offers multiple opportunities for strategy. The game is divided into 13 rounds, corresponding to the calendar year and the four seasons, culminating in a final New Year’s Day action. Players must balance hiring workers, paying them, and managing resources while dealing with random events and fires. The game is most engaging with three or four players, where competition for shop spaces and resources adds to the excitement.

Pros

Unique Theme: Set in feudal Japan, offering a fresh cultural perspective.

Engaging Mechanics: Combines rondel, worker placement, and set collection in an innovative way.

Beautiful Artwork: Stunning visuals inspired by paintings and research from the Edo era.

High Replayability: Randomized card stacks and multiple paths to victory ensure varied gameplay.

Communal Cooperation: Harmony bonuses encourage strategic grouping of buildings and workers.

Cons

Complex Setup: Initial setup can be confusing due to the numerous components and tracks.

Risk Management: Fires and resource management can be challenging and unpredictable.

Flow and Excitement: Some players may find the game lacks flow and excitement, particularly in two-player games.

Personal Thoughts on IKI

IKI is perfect for fans of Euro-style games who appreciate complex strategies and unique themes. It’s ideal for those who enjoy games like Le Havre, where resource management and balanced decision-making are key. While it may not be the best fit for players seeking fast-paced action, IKI offers a satisfying and challenging experience for those willing to invest time and strategy into building their Edo marketplace empire.

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