A board game box for "Kamisado" by Peter Burley with two game pieces on top, one black and one white, both featuring Asian characters, and a "HUCH & friends" logo on the bottom right corner, all placed on a grey woven surface.
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Kamisado (2008)

ByMichail

Kamisado

Kamisado is an abstract strategy board game for two players that is played on an 8×8 multicolored board. Each player controls a set of eight octagonal dragon tower pieces. Each player’s set of dragon towers contains a tower to match each of the colors that appear on the squares of the board (i.e., a brown tower, a green tower, etc.). One player’s towers have gold dragons mounted on the top, while the other player’s towers are topped with black dragons. The game was designed by Peter Burley and published by Burley Games.

Interview with Peter Burley

In an interview, designer Peter Burley said that the design of Kamisado dated back to a chance observation in a men’s room in the 1970s. “I noticed that the floor had an interesting pattern of small colored tiles”, he said. “I mentally made a note that this could possibly be used as a basis for a board game – this is something that I do quite a lot, whenever I see something a bit different”.

Why is Kamisado Popular?

Kamisado is a game of pure skill and strategy with no dice, cards, or other chance element. It is just you against your opponent. The game has won a number of awards, notably a nomination for Spiel des Jahres (Game of the Year) in Germany in 2011. It was also the winner of UK Games Expo’s Best Abstract Game Award in 2014.

Game Components of Kamisado

  • 8×8 multicolored board
  • 16 octagonal dragon tower pieces (8 with gold dragons and 8 with black dragons)
  • Each player’s set of dragon towers matches the colors on the board
  • Sumo rings for scoring and special powers

    How To Setup Kamisado

    To set up Kamisado, each player places their eight dragon tower pieces on the row nearest to them on the 8×8 multicolored board. The board itself does not require any additional setup, as the colors on the squares are fixed.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Gameplay Mechanics:**
    – Grid Movement: Pieces move any number of spaces in a straight line or diagonally forwards.
    – Color-Matching: The color of the square a piece lands on determines which piece the opponent must move next.
    – Sumo Towers: Pieces that reach the opponent’s Home Row gain Sumo rings, allowing them to push opponent’s pieces back one space.

  • Game Objective:**
    – The objective is to move one of your dragon towers to your opponent’s Home Row.
    – Games can be played as single rounds or as part of a match format, with points awarded for winning rounds.

    Player Experience

    Kamisado offers a engaging and strategic experience with a simple yet deep gameplay mechanic. Players must think ahead, considering the consequences of each move and how it will force their opponent’s next action. The game requires strategic thought and memory to manage the complex interactions between the pieces and the board colors. Despite its complexity, the game has a low barrier to entry and can be taught quickly.

    Pros

  • Ease of Learning:** Simple to understand, with rules that can be explained in a minute.
  • Deep Strategy:** Requires forward thinking and planning, making it appealing to strategic players.
  • Accessibility:** Large, solid pieces and generous square proportions make it playable for those with fine-grained motor control issues.
  • Color Blindness Friendly:** The icons on the board and pieces are designed to be accessible to players with color blindness.
  • Variety:** Alternative setups provided by numbered tiles keep the game fresh.

    Cons

  • Memory Intensive:** Players need to remember multiple moves and counter-moves, which can be challenging.
  • Limited Novelty:** Unlike games with changing move-sets, Kamisado’s gameplay can feel repetitive if played frequently.
  • Emotional Impact:** The game can feel intense, with losses often attributed to intellectual differences.

    Personal Thoughts on Kamisado

    Kamisado is ideal for players who enjoy abstract strategy games and are looking for a challenge that is both easy to learn and deep in strategy. It is a great fit for those who appreciate games like Chess but want something with a unique twist. While it may not offer the same level of novelty as some other games, its simplicity and depth make it a rewarding experience for players willing to delve into its strategic nuances. It’s a fantastic gift for anyone interested in tabletop games, as it balances accessibility with complexity perfectly.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl