Tokaido (2012) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Tokaido is a board game designed by Antoine Bauza and released in 2012 by Funforge. The game is set in ancient Japan, specifically along the Tokaido road that connected Kyoto to Edo (modern-day Tokyo). Players take on the roles of travelers journeying along this famous road, encountering various sights and experiences along the way.

Game Components of Tokaido

Game Board: Represents the Tokaido road, a 500 km long route connecting Kyoto and Tokyo.

Traveller Cards: Each player selects one, providing a different starting balance of coins and a special power.

Location Spaces: Various stops such as villages, temples, hot springs, and panoramas.

Meal Cards: Used at inns, each worth 6 points but costing different numbers of coins.

Panorama Cards: Forming a complete panorama yields additional points.

Score Tokens: Used to track victory points.

How To Setup Tokaido

To set up Tokaido, players start in Kyoto and receive two random traveller cards, choosing the one they prefer. Each traveller card comes with a unique starting balance of coins and a special power. The game board is divided into four parts, with mandatory rest stops at inns in between each part. Players place their tokens on the starting space in Kyoto.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Order: The player furthest behind on the path goes next, encouraging strategic movement.

Location Stops: Players can stop at various locations like villages, temples, hot springs, and panoramas to collect resources and points.

Inn Mechanic: Players draw meal cards at inns, with the first player to arrive getting first choice and the last player taking the remaining card.

Panorama Collection: Visiting the same panorama multiple times increases its point value.

Objective: Maximize spiritual satisfaction and victory points by making the most out of the journey.

Player Experience

Playing Tokaido feels like a relaxing journey through feudal Japan. The game is designed to be light and enjoyable, with easy-to-make decisions that still require some strategic thinking. Players must balance their desire to visit lucrative locations with the need to prevent their opponents from doing the same. The game’s aesthetic, with its minimalist design and beautiful artwork, adds to the tranquil atmosphere.

Pros

Relaxing Gameplay: Tokaido is known for its calming and enjoyable experience.

Beautiful Artwork: The game features stunning, minimalist art that enhances the theme.

Strategic Depth: Despite its simplicity, the game has hidden strategic layers.

Variable Player Powers: Each traveller card offers unique abilities and starting conditions.

Quick Playtime: Games typically last about 45 minutes.

Cons

Imbalanced Powers: Some traveller cards may have more powerful abilities than others.

Limited Complexity: The game may be too light for players who prefer more complex strategies.

Analysis Paralysis: While rare, some players might experience slight analysis paralysis in later stages.

Personal Thoughts on Tokaido

Tokaido is ideal for players looking for a light, relaxing game that still offers some strategic depth. It is particularly suited for casual gamers or those seeking a gateway game into more complex board games. The game’s focus on the journey rather than the destination makes it a unique and enjoyable experience. However, experienced players may find it less challenging after multiple plays, especially without the expansions that add more complexity and randomness.

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