Smash Up: Big in Japan (2017) Board Game

Smash Up: Big in Japan is an expansion for the popular card game Smash Up. It was released in 2017 by Alderac Entertainment Group. The expansion adds four new factions inspired by Japanese pop culture, including Kaiju, Magical Girls, Super Sentai, and Youkai.

Game Components of Smash Up: Big in Japan

4 new factions with their unique cards

Action and minion cards

Base cards

Rulebook

How To Setup Smash Up: Big in Japan

To set up the game, players first shuffle and deal out a starting hand of cards. Each player chooses two factions to combine, creating a unique deck. Players then place the base cards within reach of all players. The deck is shuffled, and each player draws a starting hand. The objective is to reduce the base cards to zero points by playing minions and actions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Combining: Players combine two factions to create their deck.

Minion and Action Cards: Players use these cards to attack bases and defend against opponents.

Base Destruction: The goal is to reduce the points on base cards to zero.

Turn Structure: Players take turns playing one minion or action card, then drawing a card.

Player Experience

Playing **Smash Up: Big in Japan** is a fun and dynamic experience, especially for fans of Japanese pop culture. The game requires strategic thinking and adaptability as players navigate the unique synergy between the different factions. For example, the kaiju faction can be a fun challenge to figure out how to make them work effectively.

Pros

Unique Factions: Each faction offers a distinct playstyle.

High Replayability: Combining different factions creates numerous gameplay variations.

Cultural Theme: The Japanese pop culture theme adds a fun and engaging element.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

Cons

Complexity in Combining Factions: Some combinations can be tricky to master.

Availability: The expansion is currently out of stock at many retailers.

Limited Deep Strategy: While fun, the game may not offer the depth some players seek.

Personal Thoughts on Smash Up: Big in Japan

**Smash Up: Big in Japan** is perfect for fans of card games, Japanese pop culture, and those who enjoy light to medium complexity games. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate the humor and creativity in combining different factions to create unique strategies. However, those looking for a deeply strategic game might find it a bit lacking. Overall, it’s a great addition to the Smash Up series, offering plenty of fun and kawaii base-bashing action.

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