Ka Pai (2019) Board Game
Ka Pai is a board game released in 2019 designed by Oliver Freudenreich and published by White Goblin Games. It is a children’s game that focuses on dice rolling, paper-and-pencil, and set collection mechanics. The game is suitable for 2 to 4 players, with a playtime of around 15 minutes. Players must strategize and collect different sets of symbols to earn points and win the game.
Game Components of Ka Pai
How To Setup Ka Pai
To set up Ka Pai, each player receives a score sheet and a pencil. The youngest player starts by rolling the two dice. The game is ready to begin once all players have their sheets and pencils.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Mechanics
Objective
Player Experience
Ka Pai requires strategic planning as players need to carefully decide where to place each symbol to maximize their score. The game starts open, with many choices available, but as the sheet fills up, decisions become more critical. The base game can feel somewhat dull in the mid-game phase, but expansions like Ranu introduce new challenges and strategically important decisions.
Pros
Cons
Personal Thoughts on Ka Pai
Ka Pai is a great option for those who enjoy roll and write games but are looking for something a bit different. While the base game may lack the excitement of other games in the genre, the expansions, particularly Ranu, add a new layer of complexity and challenge. It’s ideal for players who enjoy strategic planning and don’t mind a game that ramps up in complexity as it progresses. However, those sensitive to cultural themes may want to approach with caution due to the game’s Maori tribe theme.
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