Kodama: The Tree Spirits (2016) Board Game

Kodama: The Tree Spirits is a board game released in 2016, designed by Daniel Solis and published by Action Phase Games. The game is known for its beautiful artwork and unique theme centered around tree spirits in a mystical forest.

Game Components of Kodama: The Tree Spirits

Trunk Cards: Each player starts with a randomly-dealt Trunk Card.

Kodama Cards: Players receive four Kodama Cards at the beginning of the game.

Decree Cards: These cards introduce special rules or scoring for each season.

Branch Cards: These are the core cards used to grow the tree, featuring various elements like flowers, insects, and mushrooms.

Season Token: Used to track the current season.

Scoring Track: To keep track of players’ scores.

How To Setup Kodama: The Tree Spirits

To set up the game, place the scoring track in the center of the play area with the Season Token next to the word “Spring”. Each player receives a Trunk Card and four Kodama Cards. The deck of Branch Cards is shuffled, and four are dealt out in a line in the center of the play area. Decree Cards for each season are shuffled, and one is drawn and laid face-down. All unused cards are returned to the box.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card Placement: Players choose Branch Cards to add to their tree, ensuring the card touches only one other card and does not cover existing features.

Scoring: Points are scored based on matching features on the Branch Cards in an uninterrupted line back to the trunk.

Seasonal Rules: Decree Cards introduce unique conditions for each season.

Kodama Phase: Players choose a Kodama Card to score bonus points at the end of each season.

Game Objective

The objective is to cultivate a tree with the right mix of features to keep the Kodama happy, scoring the most points over three growing seasons.

Player Experience

**Kodama: The Tree Spirits** offers a gentle, peaceful, and almost zen-like experience. Players enjoy the process of growing their trees and creating a harmonious environment for the Kodama. The game is highly visual, with beautiful art by Kwanchai Moriya, Mirko Suzuki, and Scott Hartman. It is easy to teach and play, making it an excellent gateway game for younger players and non-gamers. However, competitive players might find the game too light and luck-dependent.

Pros

Beautiful Artwork: The game features gorgeous, cartoony, and cute art.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Relaxing Experience: The game is calming and enjoyable, perfect for a palate cleanser after competitive games.

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

Quick Gameplay: Games typically last between 30-45 minutes.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: The game relies heavily on the luck of the draw for Branch Cards and Kodama combinations.

Limited Decision Making: Some players find the decisions to be somewhat obvious or scripted.

Fiddly Setup: The game can be fragile to movements and requires careful setup.

Scoring Complexity: Non-gamers might struggle with the scoring system.

Personal Thoughts on Kodama: The Tree Spirits

**Kodama: The Tree Spirits** is ideal for those looking for a light, relaxing game that is easy to understand and visually appealing. It is perfect for families, casual gamers, and as a filler game at the end of a game night. However, serious competitive gamers might find it lacking in depth and strategy. Despite its simplicity, the game offers a unique and enjoyable experience, making it a great addition to any game collection.

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