Kokoro: Avenue of the Kodama (2017) Board Game

Kokoro: Avenue of the Kodama is a board game released in 2017, designed by Kwanchai Moriya and Daniel Solis. The game is set in the mystical world of Kodama, where players take on the role of forest spirits called Kodama, tasked with creating paths to connect different sanctuaries in the forest.

Game Components of Kokoro: Avenue of the Kodama

8 dry erase boards

Sturdy cards including route cards and sanctuary cards

Dry erase markers

Guardians and sanctuary tokens

Flowers and worms tokens

How To Setup Kokoro: Avenue of the Kodama

To set up the game, each player receives a dry erase board and a marker. The sanctuary cards are placed in the middle of the table, and the route cards are shuffled. Each round, a sanctuary card is drawn to define the target for that round. Players then use the route cards to draw lines on their boards, aiming to link paths to the sanctuaries.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Simultaneous Play: Players draw lines on their boards simultaneously.

Route Cards: Each round is controlled by a deck of route cards, which include different right angles, horizontal, and vertical lines.

Sanctuary Linking: Players score points by linking paths to the sanctuaries and other items like flowers and worms.

Increasing Score Requirement: Players must outscore their previous round; failing to do so results in zero points for that round and a -5 point penalty at the end.

Guardians: Players can also gain points by linking their routes to the guardians at the corners of the board.

Player Experience

Playing *Kokoro: Avenue of the Kodama* feels like solving a puzzle that unfolds over 20-25 minutes. The game is highly replayable due to the random draw of route cards, making each round unique. The mechanic of needing to outscore the previous round adds a layer of strategy, forcing players to plan ahead carefully. The game supports up to 8 players, including solo play, making it a versatile addition to any game collection.

Pros

High Replayability: Each game is different due to the random route cards.

Challenging and Strategic: Requires players to plan ahead and adapt.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for families with children aged 8 and up.

Top-Notch Components: Sturdy cards and durable dry erase boards.

Large Player Count: Supports up to 8 players, including solo play.

Cons

Randomness: Some players may find the randomness of the cards frustrating.

Marker Durability: The dry erase markers may not last long under normal use.

Personal Thoughts on Kokoro: Avenue of the Kodama

*Kokoro: Avenue of the Kodama* is an excellent choice for families and groups looking for a quick, engaging game that challenges strategic thinking. Its unique blend of puzzle-solving and path-building makes it a joy to play, and its support for a large player count adds to its appeal. While the randomness may deter some, it generally enhances the game’s replay value and excitement. This game is ideal for families with older children and for anyone seeking a fun, strategic filler game.

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