Kodama Duo (2018) Board Game

Kodama Duo is a two-player version of the popular board game Kodama: The Tree Spirits. Released in 2018, this game is designed by Kwanchai Moriya and published by Action Phase Games and Indie Boards & Cards. It falls under the category of Abstract Strategy and Card Game, featuring beautiful artwork and engaging gameplay mechanics.

Game Components of Kodama Duo

Branch cards

Season cards

Kodama cards

Bonus tokens

Game board (tree trunk)

Rulebook

How To Setup Kodama Duo

To set up **Kodama Duo**, each player starts with a tree trunk card. The branch cards are shuffled and placed face down within reach of both players. The season cards and Kodama cards are also shuffled and set aside. Each player draws a starting hand of branch cards, and the game begins with the first season. The setup is relatively straightforward, ensuring a quick transition from preparation to gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Placement: Players take turns placing branch cards in clever orientations to build their tree.

Seasonal Rules: Each of the three seasons introduces special rules that vary gameplay.

Splitter and Chooser Mechanic: One player draws three branch cards, splits them into a pair and a single card, and the other player chooses which set to take. The leftover cards are discarded, with the player who took the single card receiving a bonus token.

Kodama Invitations: At the end of each season, players invite a Kodama to their tree, earning points based on the Kodama’s preferences.

Token Collection: Players collect tokens to bridge gaps in their trees or replace features.

Objective: The player who earns the most points by the end of the three seasons wins.

Player Experience

**Kodama Duo** offers a tactical and engaging experience, particularly enhanced by the “splitter and chooser” mechanic, which adds depth and strategy to the game. Players must balance their immediate needs with long-term planning, as the choices they make can significantly impact their opponent’s options. The game’s theme of growing a tree to attract Kodama (tree spirits) is charming and visually appealing, with beautiful artwork that enhances the overall experience.

Pros

Tactical Depth: The “splitter and chooser” mechanic adds significant strategic layers.

Control Over Destiny: Players feel more in control compared to the original game, reducing the impact of luck.

Beautiful Artwork: The game features terrific theme and artwork.

Quick Playtime: The game lasts about 30 minutes, making it a great fit for shorter gaming sessions.

Cons

Initial Card Draw: The starting hand can sometimes leave a player in a disadvantaged position.

Kodama Card Variability: Some Kodama cards may feel easier to achieve or more beneficial in certain combinations.

Personal Thoughts on Kodama Duo

**Kodama Duo** is an excellent choice for fans of strategic card placement games and those who enjoy a mix of short-term tactics and long-term strategy. It is particularly suited for couples or friends looking for a engaging two-player game. While it can serve as an expansion to the original **Kodama: The Tree Spirits**, it stands well on its own, offering a unique and enjoyable gaming experience. If you’re looking for a game that combines beautiful visuals with deep strategy, **Kodama Duo** is definitely worth considering.

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