Irezumi (2012) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Irezumi is a board game released in 2012 by Planplay. It is a bluffing and deduction game that can be played by 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 8 and up. The game involves players competing to create the most valuable tattoos on their clients’ backs, while trying to bluff and outwit their opponents.

Game Components of Irezumi

Game board

72 tattoo cards

12 client cards

4 player screens

4 player markers

How To Setup Irezumi

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the tattoo cards and place them face down on the designated space on the board.

Shuffle the client cards and place them face down on the designated space on the board.

Each player takes a player screen and marker.

Decide who will go first and start the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Irezumi, players take turns selecting tattoo cards from the pool and placing them on their clients’ backs, trying to create the most valuable tattoos. Players must strategize and bluff to outmaneuver their opponents and secure the most points by the end of the game. The game objective is to have the most valuable tattoos on your clients’ backs by the end of the game.

Player Experience

Pros:

Quick gameplay (around 20 minutes)

Easy to learn rules

Engaging bluffing and deduction mechanics

Cons:

Limited replay value

Lack of variety in gameplay

Personal Thoughts on Irezumi

Irezumi is a decent board game with a unique theme and engaging gameplay mechanics. However, the game may not have enough depth or variety to keep players coming back for more. The build quality of the components is average, and the pricing may be a bit high considering the limited replay value.

Overall, Irezumi is worth a try if you enjoy bluffing and deduction games, but it may not be a must-have for everyone. Players who enjoy quick and light games with a bit of strategy will likely enjoy Irezumi, while those looking for more complex gameplay may want to explore other options.

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