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

Player boards

Action cards

Influence cubes

Score tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup Kaigan

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Each player receives a player board, influence cubes, and score tokens.

Shuffle the action cards and place them face down.

Determine the starting player and begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Kaigan, players take on the roles of feudal lords in Japan, trying to gain influence over different regions. Players use action cards to strategically place influence cubes on the board, aiming to have the majority in each region to score points. The game ends after a set number of rounds, and the player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

Pros:

Strategic gameplay with multiple paths to victory

Beautiful artwork by Alexandra Lake, Peke, and Wayne Porter

Engaging player interaction and area control mechanics

Cons:

Can be difficult for new players to grasp initially

Limited player count may not accommodate larger gaming groups

Personal Thoughts on Kaigan

Kaigan is a visually stunning game with deep strategic gameplay that offers a rewarding experience for players willing to invest the time to learn its intricacies. The build quality is solid, and the components are aesthetically pleasing. Pricing and availability for both new and used copies can vary, but the game is worth considering for fans of area control and strategic board games.

Alternatives and similar games to consider include “Rising Sun” and “Samurai,” offering similar themes and mechanics for players interested in exploring similar gameplay experiences. Overall, Kaigan is a game that is worth your time if you enjoy strategic board games and are looking for a challenging and immersive gameplay experience. It is suitable for players who enjoy area control and hand management mechanics, but may not be the best choice for those looking for a quick, light gaming experience.

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