Kyoto (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Kyoto is a board game that was released in 2020, designed by Sabine Harrer and Johannes Krenner. It is published by Deep Print Games and falls under the categories of Environmental and Negotiation games. The game revolves around the concept of managing resources and negotiating with other players to succeed in building the most beautiful city.

Game Components of Kyoto

48 Affluence cards (representing various activities with CO2 emissions and environmental damage)

Agenda cards (secret goals for each player)

Study cards (outlining round goals)

Country flags and tokens

Money and bribery tokens

Environmental damage tokens (animal extinction, global warming, air pollution)

Timer (for negotiation rounds)

Environmentally friendly cardboard storage box

How To Setup Kyoto

To set up Kyoto, each player selects a country and receives three agenda cards, from which they discard one. The study deck is shuffled and placed on the lectern. Players start with a set amount of money. The environmental damage tokens are set up according to the initial state of the planet. The affluence cards are distributed equally among the players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Players aim to save the planet by meeting reduction targets while preserving their country’s wealth. The player who best balances environmental protection and wealth accumulation wins.

Negotiation Rounds: Each round involves a 90-second timer during which players negotiate, play affluence cards, and contribute money to meet the round’s goals.

Affluence Cards: Players can play up to two affluence cards per round, contributing to CO2 emissions and environmental damage unless removed by bribery.

Bribery: Players can bribe each other to play or remove affluence cards.

Funding: Players can contribute money towards the group funding goal.

Environmental Damage: Failure to meet round goals results in environmental damage, which can end the game prematurely if severe.

Scoring: Points are awarded for remaining affluence cards, achieved agenda goals, and leftover money.

Player Experience

Playing Kyoto is a tense and strategic experience, especially during the negotiation rounds. The 90-second timer adds a layer of urgency, forcing players to make quick decisions and negotiate effectively. The game requires a balance between personal agendas and the collective goal of saving the planet. Players must navigate the risks of environmental damage and the benefits of preserving wealth, making each round a challenging and engaging experience.

Pros

Educational Value: The game provides insights into various environmental issues and their impacts.

Engaging Mechanics: The negotiation and bribery mechanics create a dynamic and interactive gameplay experience.

Tension and Suspense: The timer and potential for sudden game-ending environmental damage add significant tension.

Storage Solution: The game includes an environmentally friendly cardboard storage box.

Cons

Complex Setup: The initial setup can be somewhat complex due to the distribution of cards and tokens.

Timer Pressure: The short negotiation time can be stressful for some players.

Potential for Analysis Paralysis: Players might spend too much time deciding, which can slow down the game.

Personal Thoughts on Kyoto

Kyoto is ideal for players who enjoy negotiation and strategic games with a strong environmental theme. It’s suitable for those who appreciate the challenge of balancing personal goals with collective responsibilities. The game is particularly good for groups interested in environmental issues and looking for an educational yet entertaining experience. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer simpler, less time-pressured games.

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