Yamataï (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Yamataï is a board game released in 2017 designed by Jérémie Fleury and published by Days of Wonder. The game is set in a mythical archipelago where players compete to build the most prestigious city in the kingdom of Yamataï.

Game Components of Yamataï

Game board depicting the capital of Yamatai

Ship tokens

Building tiles

Prestige tokens

Resource tokens (e.g., wood, stone, bricks)

Player boards

Role cards

Turn order tokens

How To Setup Yamataï

To set up Yamataï, players start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a player board and places it within reach. The building tiles, ship tokens, and resource tokens are sorted and placed nearby. Role cards and turn order tokens are shuffled and distributed according to the game’s rules. Players receive a set amount of resources to begin with.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Role Selection: Players choose role cards to perform specific actions.

Area Control: Players compete to build structures and place ships in optimal locations.

Turn Order Bidding: Players bid for the turn order using resources.

Game Objective: The goal is to help build the capital of Yamatai as grandly as possible by constructing buildings and placing ships efficiently, earning prestige tokens in the process.

Player Experience

Yamataï offers a fun and moderately complex gaming experience. It is described as a step above “easy” on the difficulty scale, requiring some thought and planning. Players enjoy the colorful and vibrant configurations of the game, which mimic civil engineering in ancient Japan. The game involves strategic decision-making, as players need to balance resource management with the desire to build and place ships optimally.

Pros

Colorful and Engaging: The game features brightly colored configurations, making it visually appealing.

Strategic Depth: It requires thought and planning, making it engaging for players who enjoy strategy.

Variety of Mechanics: Combines multiple modern board game mechanics, offering a diverse gaming experience.

Fun: Generally considered fun by players, typical of Days of Wonder games.

Cons

Complexity: While not overly complex, it may take some time for new players to understand the full range of mechanics.

Resource Management: Managing resources effectively can be challenging, which might deter some players.

Personal Thoughts on Yamataï

Yamataï is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a mix of different mechanics. It suits those who appreciate area control and resource management without being overwhelmed by extreme complexity. The game is a great fit for fans of Days of Wonder and for anyone looking to experience a blend of modern board game elements in a single, engaging package.

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