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Yomi: Round 1 (2014) Board Game

ByMichail

Yomi: Round 1 is a card game designed by David Sirlin and was released in in 2014. It falls under the categories of Card Game and Fighting game, with a unique gameplay that combines elements of hand management, rock-paper-scissors, simultaneous action selection, and variable player powers. The game is designed for 1-4 players, with the best experience being for 2 players. It has a relatively short runtime of 15-30 minutes, making it a quick and engaging option for game nights.

Game Components of Yomi: Round 1

  • 10 unique character decks**, each with its own set of moves, strengths, and weaknesses.
  • Cards divided into attacks, throws, and blocks/dodges**, with each card having a rank and suit similar to a regular deck of playing cards.
  • Ace cards**, which are powerful but require discarding additional cards to activate.
  • Rule sheet**, which is simple and straightforward, explaining the game on a single sheet.

    How To Setup Yomi: Round 1

    To set up Yomi: Round 1, players choose their characters and shuffle their respective decks. Each player draws a starting hand, and the game is ready to begin. The simplicity of the setup allows players to dive into the game quickly.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Hand Management: Players must manage their cards carefully to execute strategies.
  • Rock-Paper-Scissors Mechanism: Attacks beat throws, throws beat blocks and dodges, and blocks and dodges beat attacks.
  • Simultaneous Action Selection: Players choose and reveal their cards simultaneously.
  • Variable Player Powers: Each character has unique abilities and playstyles.
  • Objective: Reduce your opponent’s health to zero by landing attacks and throws while defending against their moves.

    Player Experience

    Playing Yomi: Round 1 is an engaging and strategic experience that mirrors the mind games of traditional fighting games. Players need to read their opponents’ tendencies and patterns to gain an edge. The game encourages a deep level of strategy, similar to games like Poker or Magic: The Gathering, where understanding ranges and playing the odds is crucial. Games are typically short, lasting 15-20 minutes, making it easy to play multiple rounds in one sitting.

    Pros

  • Deep Strategy: Offers a high level of strategic depth, appealing to fans of games like Poker and Magic: The Gathering.
  • Unique Characters: Each character has distinct moves and playstyles, adding variety to the game.
  • Balanced Design: The game is carefully balanced to prevent exploits and ensure fair play.
  • Quick Gameplay: Games are short, allowing for multiple matches in a single session.

    Cons

  • Randomness: Some players may be sensitive to the randomness inherent in the Rock-Paper-Scissors mechanism.
  • Limited Appeal: The game’s focus on strategy and pattern recognition may not appeal to those seeking a more casual or luck-based experience.
  • No Physical Dexterity: While this can be a pro for some, it may disappoint fans of traditional fighting games who enjoy the physical dexterity aspect.

    Personal Thoughts on Yomi: Round 1

    Yomi: Round 1 is perfect for players who enjoy strategic card games and the tactical nuances of fighting games. If you appreciate the complexity and depth of games like Poker and Magic: The Gathering, Yomi will likely be a great fit. However, if you’re sensitive to randomness or prefer games with less strategic complexity, you might want to consider other options. The game’s unique blend of mechanics and its well-balanced design make it a standout in both the card game and fighting game genres.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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