Koryŏ (2013) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Koryŏ is a card game released in 2013 by designer Gary Kim and published by Moonster Games. The game is set in ancient Korea during the Koryŏ dynasty, where players take on the roles of influential factions vying for power and control. With beautiful artwork by Stéphane Gantiez and Ian Parovel, Koryŏ offers a strategic and immersive gameplay experience for 2-4 players.

Game Components of Koryŏ

A deck of numbered cards (1 to 9) with varying quantities of each number (one 1, two 2s, up to nine 9s).

Character and event cards.

Families of politician cards.

How To Setup Koryŏ

To set up Koryŏ, players shuffle the deck and distribute the cards. Each player receives a hand of cards, and the remaining cards are placed in a draw pile. The game does not require a complex board, focusing primarily on the card play.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Simultaneous Card Play: Players simultaneously choose a family of politician cards from their hand and play as many cards of this family as they wish.

Card Ranking: The numbered cards (1 to 9) are used to resolve conflicts and achieve objectives.

Objective: The goal is to strategically play cards to gain influence and points by leveraging the different families and their unique abilities.

Player Experience

Koryŏ offers a cerebral and fun gameplay experience that is engaging but not overwhelmingly strategic. The game requires strategic thinking in selecting and playing the right cards at the right time, but it avoids being so complex that it becomes tiresome.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game provides a good balance of strategy and fun.

Unique Setting: The politico-steampunk universe adds a unique and intriguing theme.

Simple to Learn: The basic mechanics are easy to grasp, making it accessible to new players.

Cons

Card Shuffling: Shuffling the deck can be a bit of a nuisance due to the specific card rules and large number of cards.

Complex Card Rules: Some players might find the specific rules for each card family a bit complex to manage.

Personal Thoughts on Koryŏ

Koryŏ is a great game for those who enjoy card games with a strategic edge but don’t want to get bogged down in overly complex rules. It’s perfect for players looking for a game that offers a unique setting and engaging gameplay without the need for a lengthy setup or extensive rulebook. The game’s balance of strategy and fun makes it an excellent addition to any board game collection.

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