Kōhaku (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Kōhaku is an abstract strategy board game that was released in in 2020. Designed by Danny Devine and featuring artwork by Gold Seal Games, this game is suitable for players aged 10 and above. Kōhaku is set in a world where players take on the role of koi fish trying to create the most beautiful and harmonious pond.

Game Components of Kōhaku

Koi tiles featuring different colors and some with coin icons

Feature tiles (flowers, butterflies, frogs, rocks, statues, turtles)

Neoprene koi pond mat

Scoring board and tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup Kōhaku

To set up Kōhaku, players start by placing the neoprene koi pond mat on the table. The koi and feature tiles are shuffled and placed face-down in a stack. The top tiles are drawn and arranged on the pond mat in an alternating pattern of koi and feature tiles. Each player starts with no tiles, and the game begins with the first player selecting two adjacent tiles from the mat.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Drafting: Players select two adjacent tiles (one koi and one feature tile) from the pond mat each turn.

Tile Placement: Tiles must be placed orthogonally adjacent to existing tiles in a personal koi pond, following an alternating pattern (no two koi or feature tiles can be side by side).

Refill Mechanism: After selecting tiles, the remaining tiles on the mat move to the edges, and new tiles are placed in the center.

Game Objective: Score points by placing tiles to meet the scoring criteria of the feature tiles. The game ends after a set number of rounds (14 rounds for two players, 12 rounds for three or four players), and the player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

Playing Kōhaku is a breezy and fun experience, ideal for a family game night or a casual game session. The game is mechanically sound and balanced, with simple rules that make it easy to learn and teach. The visual appeal of the game is a significant draw, with beautifully designed tiles and a serene koi pond theme. However, the game may lack a spark for experienced gamers, feeling somewhat familiar and not particularly innovative.

Pros

Visual Appeal: The game looks great on the table, with beautiful artwork.

Simple and Balanced: Easy to learn and play, with balanced mechanics.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 10+, and plays well with 1-4 players.

Quick Gameplay: Games last between 30-45 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Enough strategy to keep players engaged but not overwhelming.

Cons

Lack of Innovation: The game mechanics are not particularly new or innovative.

Scoring Track: The scoring track can be unintuitive and prone to token movement.

Limited Tension at Lower Player Counts: The drafting board does not change enough to create significant tension at lower player counts.

Personal Thoughts on Kōhaku

Kōhaku is perfect for those who enjoy light, family-friendly games with a strong visual appeal. It is ideal for casual gamers and families looking for a game that is easy to learn and plays quickly. While it may not offer much for experienced gamers seeking complex strategies, it fills a niche for those who appreciate simple, yet engaging, tile-laying games. If you’re a fan of tile placement and drafting mechanics, and value a peaceful, aesthetically pleasing game experience, Kōhaku is definitely worth considering.

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