Kanban Menu (2019) Board Game

Kanban Menu is a card game released in 2019 designed by Chipami. It is a spin-off of the popular board game Kanban: Automotive Revolution. In this game, players take on the role of managers in a Japanese food company, competing to create the best menu and attract customers to their restaurant.

Game Components of Kanban Menu

Material cards: Used for creating menu items and managing resources.

Player boards: Each player has a board to track their café’s development.

Resource tokens: Representing ingredients and other necessary items.

Blueprints and designs: For upgrading and customizing menu items.

Meeting cards: Influence gameplay with various requirements and rewards.

Score tokens: To track players’ progress and points.

How To Setup Kanban Menu

To set up the game, each player starts with a player board and a set of material cards. The resource tokens, blueprints, and meeting cards are placed within reach of all players. Each player selects a starting hand of material cards, and the game begins with the first player drawing a meeting card, which sets the initial goals and challenges for the round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Resource Management: Players manage material cards to create menu items.

Engine-Building: Upgrading and customizing menu items through blueprints and designs.

Variable Player Powers: Meeting cards and player choices affect gameplay differently each round.

Area Control: Players compete to establish the best café.

Game Objective

Develop your café by creating high-value menu items.

Meet the requirements of meeting cards to gain rewards and avoid penalties.

Upgrade your café’s capabilities to outdo your opponents.

Player Experience

In **Kanban Menu**, players engage in a dynamic and strategic game where every decision counts. The game is relatively short, lasting about 30 minutes, making it accessible for players of various ages (10+). The interplay between managing resources, upgrading menu items, and responding to meeting cards creates a challenging yet enjoyable experience.

Pros

Engaging Strategy: Players must balance short-term and long-term goals.

High Replayability: Variable meeting cards and player choices ensure different gameplay each time.

Quick Game Sessions: Suitable for players looking for a shorter game experience.

Family-Friendly: Designed for players aged 10 and above.

Cons

Complexity: New players may find the initial setup and rules explanation daunting.

Limited Player Interaction: While competitive, direct player interaction is minimal.

Luck of the Draw: Meeting cards can significantly influence the game, introducing an element of luck.

Personal Thoughts on Kanban Menu

**Kanban Menu** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic resource management and engine-building games but prefer shorter game sessions. It’s a great fit for families or casual game nights due to its age range and playtime. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking highly interactive or cooperative gameplay experiences. For fans of games that require careful planning and adaptability, **Kanban Menu** offers a delightful and challenging experience.

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