Kaigan (2009) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Kaigan is a board game designed by Kenichi Tanabe and released in 2009 by Ascora Games. The game is meant for 3-4 players and has a runtime of approximately 90 minutes. It falls under the travel category and incorporates gameplay mechanisms such as action points, area majority/influence, and hand management.

Game Components of Kaigan

Game board: A grid with four rows and five columns

Map tiles: Used to form a map of Japan’s coast

Wooden pieces: Representing surveyors and mapping markers

Action cards: Allow various actions such as placing surveyors, mapping markers, and gaining money

Money tokens: Printed on one side to help players keep their finances secret

Player pieces: Identical for each player

How To Setup Kaigan

To set up Kaigan, players start by arranging the game board and map tiles. Each player receives an identical hand of action cards. The board is a grid where action cards will be played. The map tiles are placed to represent the coast of Japan, which players will map throughout the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Card Placement: Players play action cards face up on the grid, one at a time.

Row Claiming: Players can claim a row of action cards, which they will use to perform actions in order from left to right.

Action Execution: Players execute the actions on the claimed cards in sequence.

Map Building: Players place mapping markers and surveyors to map the coast of Japan.

Income Generation: Players gain money by improving artistic skills and developing relationships with local governments.

Game Objective: The goal is to be the first to complete the mapping of the coast, while managing resources and actions effectively.

Player Experience

In Kaigan, players oversee teams of surveyors, competing to map the coast of Japan. The game is known for its unique theme, inspired by the real Japanese mapmaker Tadataka Ino. The gameplay involves strategic placement of action cards and careful planning to claim the most beneficial rows. This creates a dynamic where players must watch the rows develop and make agonizing decisions about which cards to play and when to claim a row.

Pros

Unique Theme: Based on a real historical figure and event, adding a layer of educational value.

Strategic Depth: The game requires careful planning and strategic thinking.

High Replayability: The randomness in card draws and player actions ensures different experiences each game.

Professional Components: The game features high-quality, professionally produced components.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be complex for new players, requiring some time to understand the mechanics.

Money Token Design: Money tokens are printed on one side, which can be inconvenient for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Kaigan

Kaigan is ideal for fans of strategic and economic games who appreciate a unique historical theme. It is suitable for players aged 10 and up, and it supports 3-4 players. The game’s playing time is approximately 45-60 minutes, making it a engaging yet manageable session. If you enjoy games like Coloretto but prefer actions that always have some use, Kaigan is definitely worth considering. Its blend of history, strategy, and thematic coherence makes it a standout in its category.

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