Maiko (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Maiko is a board game released in 2019 and designed by Jemma Salume. It is categorized as an abstract strategy game with elements of memory. The game is designed for 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 9 and above. The game features stunning artwork by Don’t Panic Games and has a runtime of 20-40 minutes.

Game Components of Maiko

1 game board

4 maiko boards (white, purple, pink, green)

2 teacher cards (or 4 tutor cards in some versions)

81 tiles (9 friend tiles, 72 object tiles in white, purple, pink, and green)

16 kamon tokens

1 first player token

1 game rule booklet.

How To Setup Maiko

To set up the game, place the main board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a maiko board and places it in front of them. Shuffle the tile deck and distribute the tiles face down across the board, representing various rooms in the okiya (geisha house). Each player starts with no tiles. Determine the first player using the first player token.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Memory Mechanic: Players search for pairs of tiles that represent different geisha arts such as music, dance, and kimono wearing.

Tile Matching: Revealing a pair of tiles with the same item means the player has learned one of the nine arts of the geishas.

Color Points: Possessing tiles of the player’s maiko color increases points, while tiles of other colors decrease points.

Tutor Assistance: Players can earn kamon tokens to call upon tutors, each with a unique talent to aid in the quest.

Game Objective: The maiko with the most points, having learned the most arts and managed their tile colors effectively, wins the game and begins her geisha career.

Player Experience

Playing **Maiko** is an elegant and engaging experience, especially for those who enjoy memory games. The game’s setting in a traditional Japanese geisha house adds a unique cultural twist, enhancing the thematic experience. Players need to balance memory skills with strategic decisions about which tiles to reveal and when to use their tutors’ talents. The game is suitable for ages 9 and up and supports 2-4 players, making it a great family or casual gaming option.

Pros

Engaging Theme: The game’s setting and artwork immerse players in Japanese culture.

Balanced Mechanics: The combination of memory and strategy makes the game challenging yet enjoyable.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 9 and above, making it a great family game.

Variety in Gameplay: Different tutors with unique talents add variability to each game session.

Cons

Limited Replayability: The game’s core mechanics, while engaging, might become repetitive after several plays.

Luck Factor: The random distribution of tiles can sometimes favor one player over others.

Personal Thoughts on Maiko

**Maiko** is an excellent choice for those who appreciate memory games with a strong thematic element. It is particularly suitable for families or casual gamers looking for a game that combines elegance with strategic thinking. The game’s cultural setting and the inclusion of tutors with special abilities add layers of depth that make it more than just a simple memory game. However, for seasoned gamers seeking high complexity or high replayability, **Maiko** might not be the best fit.

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