Tiki (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Tiki is an abstract strategy board game released in 2018, designed by Pauline Amelin and featuring artwork by Ôz Editions. It is designed for 2 players, with a runtime of 10-20 minutes and recommended for ages 8 and up. The game falls under the category of Abstract Strategy and incorporates mechanisms such as Action Queue and Modular Board.

Game Components of Tiki

16 Tikis

1 Shaman

7 Fruits

9 Village Tiles

1 game rule sheet

How To Setup Tiki

To set up Tiki, mix all 9 village tiles and randomly place them to form a 3×3 square. Ensure the pineapples are ready on the side. Each player chooses their god and takes the corresponding 8 Tikis of their color.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Abstract Strategy

Designer: Nicolas Sato

Year: 2018

Mechanics: Area Control, Modular Board, Programming

Objective: Attract the favors of the tribes to receive offerings and accumulate 4 fruits before your opponent.

Turn Structure: Each turn, a player can either create a new totem (tiki) or move an existing one. The movement is based on the number of tikis in the totem, and diagonal moves are forbidden.

Village Resolution: When a village tile is influenced by 3 tikis, the totem’s owner resolves the tile, which may yield 1 pineapple, no pineapple, or even the loss of a pineapple.

Player Experience

Tiki offers a fast-paced and tactical experience, with games lasting approximately 15 minutes. The modular board ensures each game is different, adding replayability. Players must strategically manipulate the tikis to influence the villages and gain pineapples, while also trying to disrupt their opponent’s plans. The game includes a shaman variant that adds an extra layer of complexity and strategy.

Pros

Modular Board: Ensures variety in each game.

Simple to Learn: Easy to understand rules.

Strategic Depth: Requires tactical thinking and planning.

Beautiful Components: Solid, well-crafted tiki pieces and village tiles.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed only for 2 players.

Short Game Time: Some players may find the game too brief.

Potential for Repetition: Without the shaman variant, the game can become repetitive.

Personal Thoughts on Tiki

Tiki is ideal for those who enjoy quick, strategic games with a strong focus on area control and tactical planning. It is particularly suited for players looking for a game that can be set up and played within a short time frame. While it may not appeal to gamers seeking more complex or longer games, Tiki’s simplicity and modular design make it a great addition to any board game collection, especially for those who appreciate abstract strategy games.

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