Jigūan: The Eastern Mechanist (2019) Board Game

Jigūan: The Eastern Mechanist is a board game designed by Eros Lin and published by EmperorS4 in in 2019. The game is set in a fantasy world where players take on the role of Eastern Mechanists, competing against each other to build the most efficient and powerful machines.

Game Components of Jigūan: The Eastern Mechanist

Game Board: A large, intricate board that requires a significant amount of table space.

Player Boards: Each player has a personal board for managing resources and mechanisms.

Cards: Various cards representing mechanisms, resources, and actions.

Tokens: Tokens for tracking resources, progress, and other game elements.

Mechanism Pieces: Physical components representing the mechanical constructs players build.

How To Setup Jigūan: The Eastern Mechanist

Setting up the game involves placing the main game board in the center, distributing player boards, and shuffling the deck of cards. Each player starts with a set of initial resources and mechanism pieces. The setup requires careful placement of various components to ensure all players have access to the necessary elements.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Resource Management: Players must manage resources to build and upgrade their mechanisms.

Card Drafting: Players draft cards to acquire new mechanisms and actions.

Engine-Building: The game features an engine-building mechanic where players build and improve their mechanical constructs.

Objective: The primary goal is to build the most efficient and powerful mechanism, scoring points based on its complexity and functionality.

Player Experience

Playing **Jigūan: The Eastern Mechanist** is a deeply immersive experience that requires strategic planning and resource management. The game is complex, so players need to invest time in understanding the mechanics and optimizing their strategies. The large table space requirement can be a challenge, but the game’s depth and complexity make it rewarding for those who enjoy intricate gameplay.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers a rich and complex gameplay experience.

High Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and random card draws ensure varied gameplay.

Engaging Mechanics: The engine-building and resource management mechanics are engaging and challenging.

Cons

Complex Setup: Requires a significant amount of time and space to set up.

Steep Learning Curve: New players may find the rules and mechanics overwhelming.

Long Playtime: Games can be lengthy, requiring a substantial commitment of time.

Personal Thoughts on Jigūan: The Eastern Mechanist

**Jigūan: The Eastern Mechanist** is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who crave complexity and depth in their games. It is not suited for casual players due to its intricate mechanics and lengthy playtime. However, for those who enjoy strategic planning and engine-building, this game offers a highly rewarding experience. If you have the patience to learn and the space to set it up, **Jigūan: The Eastern Mechanist** can be a thrilling addition to your board game collection.

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