String Safari (2013) Board Game

String Safari is a board game released in 2013 by designer Hisashi Hayashi and published by OKAZU Brand. The game is set in the wild, where players take on the role of zookeepers trying to attract animals to their zoo by creating enclosures with strings on the modular board.

Game Components of String Safari

Field string (purple)

Research markers

Animal tiles

Land tiles

Research tiles

Victory points track

Player markers

How To Setup String Safari

To set up String Safari, players start by laying out the field string on the table, ensuring it does not cross over itself. A recommended initial shape is a large circle, but any shape can be used. Players then shuffle and randomly place the land tiles face up inside the field. Each player chooses a color and takes a specific number of research markers based on the number of players: 6 markers for 3 players, 5 markers for 4 players, and 4 markers for 5 players. Each player places one of their markers on the victory points track.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Turns: Each player draws an animal tile and chooses a research tile during the preparation round.

Placing Tiles: Players place animal tiles inside the field, ensuring they do not touch other tiles or the string.

Research Markers: Players place research markers on tiles inside the field to score points, avoiding tiles already marked.

Removing String: After marking tiles, players remove the research string.

Drawing New Tiles: Players draw new animal tiles for their next turn.

Final Scoring: Players score points based on the tiles they marked and the research tiles they collected.

Objective: The goal is to score the most points by strategically placing research markers on valuable tiles.

Player Experience

String Safari offers a delightful and innovative gaming experience, particularly for families and those who enjoy light to moderate strategy games. The game is simple enough for children aged 10 and up to understand, yet it provides enough complexity to keep older children and adults engaged. The unique use of a string to enclose animals adds a fun and interactive element to the game.

Pros

Innovative Mechanics: Utilizes a string in a creative way to enclose and study animals.

Balanced Strategy: Simple enough for families, yet strategic enough for older players.

Short Gameplay: Games are typically 30 minutes long.

Engaging: Keeps players entertained with its unique tile placement and string manipulation.

Cons

Limited Complexity: May not appeal to players seeking highly strategic games.

Some Issues: Minor issues with game components or rules clarity have been noted by some players.

Personal Thoughts on String Safari

String Safari is an excellent choice for families, casual gamers, and those looking for a light to moderate strategy game. It stands out for its innovative use of a string and tile placement mechanics, making it a fun and unique addition to any board game collection. While it may not satisfy the needs of players who prefer highly complex games, it excels at balancing simplicity with strategic depth, ensuring an enjoyable experience for a wide range of players.

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