Jinja (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Jinja is a territory building board game released in in 2021. Designed by Justin Lynch and Lamaro Smith, with artwork by WizKids, Jinja puts players in the role of competing leaders trying to expand their influence in the fictional city of Jinja. With a mix of area majority/influence and worker placement mechanics, Jinja offers a strategic and engaging gameplay experience for 2-5 players.

Game Components of Jinja

Custom plastic miniatures representing shrines

Painted meeples to represent the workers

Screenprinted score trackers

Custom multi-color Mask die

Illustrated map of Japan divided into territories with limited temple sites

Deed cards for shrine construction

Omikuji cards for secret goals

Kitsune cards providing random discounts, bonuses, and abilities

Structure tokens and resources

How To Setup Jinja

To set up Jinja, players first deal five Omikuji cards to each player, from which they choose three secret goals. Then, each player drafts six Deed cards, selecting one and passing the rest clockwise until all cards are claimed. The game board, an illustrated map of Japan, is prepared by adding structure tokens to each territory from a supply bag. Each season starts with a beginning phase where structure tokens are added, followed by the reveal of a season card that affects the game state.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Worker Placement: Players place workers on various worker and territory locations to gather resources or build shrines.

Area Majority / Influence: Players compete to have the most shrines in each region.

Variable Goals and Events: Omikuji cards and Kitsune cards add replayability and random elements.

Resource Management: Players manage resources to build shrines, using a Mask die for random bonuses.

Game Objective

Build shrines across Japan to earn honor and special abilities.

Achieve secret goals from Omikuji cards for bonus points.

Gain bonuses for having the most shrines in each region.

Plan strategy, time construction, and rely on luck to maximize honor.

Player Experience

Playing Jinja involves strategic planning and tactical execution, as players navigate the limited spaces on the board and the worker tracks. The game is relatively quick, lasting 46-60 minutes, but it requires careful resource management and spatial planning. The addition of Omikuji and Kitsune cards introduces an element of luck and variability, making each game unique.

Pros

Breathtaking Art: The game features evocative illustrations and high-quality components.

Replayability: Variable goals and random events ensure different experiences each game.

Accessible Complexity: The game is complex yet accessible, making it enjoyable for a range of players.

Quick Gameplay: Games are resolved within 46-60 minutes.

Cons

Luck Mitigation: The game involves significant luck, particularly in resource acquisition and worker placement.

Theme Disconnect: Some players feel the theme does not resonate deeply, despite the intriguing setting.

Random Elements: Dice rolling and random card draws can make the game feel less strategic at times.

Crowded Board: Limited spaces on the board and worker tracks can lead to competition and frustration.

Personal Thoughts on Jinja

Jinja is a game that will appeal to fans of worker placement and territory building mechanics. While it has some standout features like its beautiful artwork and the unique use of Omikuji and Kitsune cards, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a highly strategic game with minimal luck. It is suitable for players aged 8 and above, and it supports 2-5 players, making it a versatile addition to any game collection. However, those deeply invested in thematic coherence or seeking a game with more cohesive design may find Jinja to be somewhat lacking.

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