Yomi (2011) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Yomi is a card game designed by David Sirlin and released in in 2011. It is a unique blend of bluffing and strategy, where players take on the roles of different characters from a video game world. With its roots in fighting games, Yomi offers an interesting twist on traditional card games by incorporating elements of hand management and variable player powers.

Game Components of Yomi

Ten unique character decks: Each character has their own set of moves, strengths, and weaknesses.

Double-ended cards: Cards feature up to 20 pieces of relevant information, including attacks, throws, blocks, and dodges, as well as a normal deck of playing cards layout.

Joker cards: Function as part of the deck and also as a special ‘Rewind Time’ feature.

Play mats and life point trackers: Included in the deluxe edition for tracking health.

Plastic gems: For tracking life points.

How To Setup Yomi

To set up Yomi, each player chooses a character and their corresponding deck. Players start with a hand of seven cards. The objective is simple: reduce your opponent’s health to zero. The setup is straightforward, with each player initializing their deck and health points before the first round begins.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Rock-Paper-Scissors Element: Attacks beat throws, throws beat blocks and dodges, and blocks and dodges beat attacks.

Simultaneous Card Selection: Players choose and reveal cards simultaneously.

Combo System: Successful attacks or throws can lead to additional hits in the form of combos.

Hand Management: Players draw one card per turn, but can draw extra cards by playing certain moves like normal attacks or successful blocks.

Card Discarding: Some powerful moves require discarding additional cards.

Game Objective: Reduce your opponent’s health to zero.

Player Experience

Yomi offers a deep and strategic gameplay experience that mimics the mind games of traditional fighting video games. Players must predict their opponents’ moves, analyze tendencies, and manage their hand carefully. The game encourages players to study their opponents’ patterns and make informed decisions, adding a layer of psychological strategy. Games are relatively quick, lasting around 15-20 minutes, making it easy to play multiple rounds in a single session.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Encourages players to predict and analyze their opponents’ moves.

Unique Characters: Each character has distinct abilities and playstyles.

Balanced Design: Carefully balanced to prevent exploits and ensure fairness.

Quick Playtime: Games are short, allowing for multiple matches in one session.

High Replayability: With ten characters and complex hand management, there’s a lot to learn and master.

Cons

Information Overload: Cards can be very busy and filled with information, making them hard to read.

Lack of Positional Play: Does not include mechanics for positional advantages, which is a key element in traditional fighting games.

Studied Design: Some players might find the game too polished and restrictive.

Personal Thoughts on Yomi

Yomi is ideal for fans of fighting games and those who enjoy deep, strategic card games. It’s perfect for players looking for a game that requires mental engagement and strategic thinking, rather than physical dexterity. The unique character designs and balanced gameplay ensure that no single character has an unfair advantage, making it a great choice for competitive players. However, it may not appeal to those seeking a more casual or visually dynamic experience, due to its complex and information-dense card design.

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