KOI (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

KOI is a board game released in 2018, designed by Christy Freeman and published by Smirk & Laughter Games. The game is set in a peaceful koi pond where players take on the roles of koi fish, competing to become the most colorful and vibrant fish in the pond.

Game Components of KOI

Double-sided board

Koi tokens (each player has a set)

Lily Pad tokens

Rock tokens

Dragonfly tokens

Frog tokens

Cherry Blossom tokens

First Player/Wind tokens

KOI cards (Movement and Natural Beauty cards)

Weather cards

How To Setup KOI

To set up KOI, place the double-sided board in the center of the table, choosing the side appropriate for the number of players. Add Lily Pad and Rock tokens according to the player count. Each Lily Pad space receives a Dragonfly token. Players select their Koi tokens and place one on the board and the other on the scoring track. Shuffle and distribute the KOI and Weather decks as indicated in the rule book. Set aside the remaining tokens, including frogs, cherry blossoms, and first player/wind tokens.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Structure: The game is played over seven rounds, each representing a day.
– Reveal a new Weather Card, which can affect gameplay.
– Place Dragonflies on empty Lily Pads, unless a frog is adjacent.
– Deal three KOI cards to each player.
– Players take turns playing KOI cards to move their Koi, collect Dragonflies and Frogs, and use Natural Beauty cards to alter the board.
– Blue actions on cards are optional, while black actions are mandatory.
– Players can cycle cards by discarding and drawing new ones.
– If no Dragonflies are left on the board, a flood occurs, resetting the board and repopulating the Lily Pads with Dragonflies.

Objective: The player with the most points at the end of seven days wins. Points are earned by collecting Dragonflies (3 points each) and Frogs (1 point each).

Player Experience

KOI offers a dynamic and visually appealing experience, with the pond environment changing each game. Players must strategically use their cards to navigate the board, collect food, and hinder their opponents. The game balances planning with a touch of luck, making it engaging for both casual and strategic players. The interplay between players, such as blocking paths with rocks or using frogs to eat dragonflies, adds a fun competitive element.

Pros

Beautiful Art and Theme: The game features stunning artwork and a well-integrated pond theme.

Thinky Mechanics: The game requires strategic thinking without being overly complex.

Dynamic Board: The board changes with each game, offering a unique experience each time.

Social Interaction: Players can significantly influence each other’s gameplay through strategic card plays.

Cons

Luck-Based Card Draws: The game can be influenced by the luck of the draw.

Player Skill Impact: The experience can be affected by the skill level of the players, potentially leading to uneven gameplay.

Turn Order Mechanics: The current turn order system can sometimes disadvantage certain players, especially the fourth player.

Personal Thoughts on KOI

KOI is an excellent choice for those looking for a light to medium-weight strategy game with a beautiful and thematic presentation. It is ideal for players who enjoy abstract games with a touch of luck and social interaction. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking games with perfect balance and no luck element, as the card draws and turn order mechanics can introduce some variability in the gameplay experience. Overall, KOI is a great addition to any board game collection, especially for those who appreciate visually appealing and strategically engaging games.

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