Kintsugi (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Kintsugi is a unique and artistic board game that was released in in 2018. The game is designed by Daniel Solis and features beautiful artwork by Button Shy. Kintsugi is a bluffing, deduction, and storytelling game that incorporates elements of tile placement and layering.

Game Components of Kintsugi

Deck of 17 Fragment Cards: These cards depict fragments of pottery.

4 Pottery Color Cards: Each player receives one of these cards.

8-page rules leaflet: Included for setup and gameplay instructions.

Wallet-sized game case: For easy portability.

How To Setup Kintsugi

Setup is straightforward and quick. Shuffle both the Fragment Cards and the Pottery Color Cards. Deal one Pottery Color card to each player. Flip one of the Fragment cards face-up to start the game. This simple setup ensures players can dive into the game promptly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Laying: Players take turns laying Fragment Cards to connect pottery pieces.

Color Connection: Aim to create contiguous blocks of your color while avoiding detection by your opponent.

Deduction Element: The player to your right acts as an art critic, trying to guess your pottery color to subtract points from your score.

Objective: Win by having the lowest score, achieved by creating fewest pieces of your color or successfully guessing your opponent’s color.

Player Experience

Kintsugi offers a peaceful and engaging experience, perfect for a quick filler game. The vibrant and attractive artwork adds to the game’s appeal, making it visually pleasing on the table. The gameplay is light and fast, making it an excellent choice for game nights or travel. The subtle deduction element adds a layer of strategy, requiring players to balance their moves carefully.

Pros

Incredibly Portable: The game fits easily in a pocket, making it a great travel game.

Easy to Learn: Simple gameplay mechanics allow new players to join in quickly.

Deduction Element: Adds a sneaky and fun layer to the game.

Vibrant Artwork: Bright and colorful, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for 2-3 players, which might limit its appeal for larger groups.

Short Playtime: While this can be a pro for some, others might find the game too brief.

Personal Thoughts on Kintsugi

Kintsugi is perfect for those who enjoy light, strategic games with a unique theme. It’s ideal for fans of minimalist design and quick, thoughtful gameplay. The game’s portability and easy setup make it a great addition to any game collection, especially for those who appreciate the concept of kintsugi and its symbolism of finding value in imperfection. If you’re looking for a game that combines art, strategy, and subtlety, Kintsugi is an excellent choice.

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