Yokai Sketch (2023) Board Game

Yokai Sketch is a card game based on Japanese mythology, specifically focusing on Yokai, which are supernatural creatures in Japanese folklore. Designed by Ignasi Ferré and published by Devir, this game allows players to immerse themselves in the mysterious and magical world of Yokai.

Game Components of Yokai Sketch

20 Yokai cards, each associated with an element (water, fire, earth, and wind) and a numerical value for victory points.

36 sketch cards made by humans, which include two of the four elements and possibly special abilities.

5 rulebooks[4%.

How To Setup Yokai Sketch

To set up the game, separate the 20 Yokai cards from the 36 sketch cards. Shuffle the sketch cards and deal three to each player. Leave the remaining sketch cards in a face-down deck. Sort the Yokai cards by their four different elements, shuffle each stack separately, and place them into four piles with the number side face up.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Objective: Score more Yokai points than the other player by completing sketches of the elusive forest spirits.

Drawing Cards: Players draw a new sketch card at the start of their turn.

Playing Cards: Players can play up to three sketch cards from their hand, sliding them under one of the four Yokai decks to reveal the associated element.

Completing Yokai: If the total number of sketch cards on both sides equals or exceeds the number on the top Yokai card, the player with the most sketch cards on their side takes the Yokai card.

Special Abilities: Sketch cards can include “Call the Yokai” (move the top card from any Yokai stack to another) and “Distract the Yokai” (move the last card played by the opponent to a different color).

Game End: The game ends when one or more Yokai decks are empty. Players total their Yokai cards, with the player having the most points declared the winner.

Player Experience

Yokai Sketch offers a chill and relaxed experience, despite being a frantic tug-of-war style battle for points. The game has a delicate strategy where players must decide whether to play all available cards, potentially weakening their hand, or hold back and strike at the right moment. The theme and vibe are very relaxed, creating a sense of calm as players simulate sketching Yokai.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Games are resolved in a very short time, making it possible to chain multiple games.

Simple Setup: Very simple preparation with few rules.

Portable: Part of Devir’s pocket collection, great for travel.

Strategic Depth: Despite its light nature, the game requires clever and strategic card play.

Cons

Art Limitation: The reverse side of the cards, which are not often seen during gameplay, lack the same effort in design.

Rule Clarification: Some special abilities may require clarification from multiple rulebooks.

Personal Thoughts on Yokai Sketch

Yokai Sketch is ideal for those who enjoy quick, strategic two-player games with a relaxed atmosphere. It’s perfect for fans of games like Lost Cities, offering a light yet engaging experience that is easy to learn but challenging to master. The game’s portability and quick gameplay make it an excellent addition to any gaming collection.

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