Tokaido

A review for Tokaido requires a discussion on the theme and art, and a discussion on the mechanics. Let's start with the mechanics. Tokaido is an odd combination of the Game of Life and Parcheesi, with a unique movement twist thrown in. Tokaido is based on Tokai-do, an old road that runs between Kyoto and Tokyo. The board is a representation of that road, with stops for beautiful views, hot springs, inns, and the like. Every turn, the last player on the road will move as little or as far as they would like - no dice rolling, no spinning, you decide the distance. However, you cannot stop at a location occupied by another player (the Parcheesi element), and all players must stop at the various inns for everyone to catch up. When you make stop, you will engage in an encounter and various things will happen - too varied for this review - all of which are based around points or money (the Game of Life element). You can also potentially gain benefits based on the ability of your traveler (there are 10, increasing the replayability substantially). It is simple premise, so I found myself surprised at the light tactical nature of the game. Where and when you move matters quite a bit, as does when you move into an inn. Your timing can both hurt your opponents and yourself if you're not careful. On top of that, you need to decide whether to play to your abilities or worry more about hamper your opponent's. While Tokaido won't win any awards for it's strategy, it will keep your brain engaged enough during your play. The theme and the art are what really steal the show and bring the game to the table. As noted, the game is about a journey, a peaceful walk in a slower time. Everything is (digitally) painted in bright watercolors, with quite a bit of variation within each type of encounter. For example, when you draw a meal card at the inn, there are 10 or 12 different food types. It is a pleasant experience to play this game on a cold rainy day; with a bit of imagination, you really feel as though you are travelling along the coast of southern Japan. To me, it is that ability to inspire the imagination that puts Tokaido into the 5-star territory. Once the mechanics are explained, our house rule will be that you don't receive your points unless you role-play the encounter. There is enough variety among the encounter types - and of course the imagination is limitless - to turn the game into a great story-telling game! On top of being great for kids, it helps make the game remain meaningful even when you are in last place. Even if you don't play that way, you will find yourself writing a story in your head. I would strongly suggest this game for any family and as a light breather for game groups. It is a simple game, but one that can still make you smile if you let it.

Tokaido is a relatively simple game that gives you a very relaxing feeling while playing. We'll often play it after a heavier game just to relax a bit. The rules are very straighforward. Each player is a character with a special ability that will help you when you stop at specific spaces as you traverse the path. Decisions are fairly easy: stop at a location, pick up the corresponding card and gain immediate points, choose to purchase it or leave an offering at the temple. Almost every action will give you some points so it minimized analysis paralysis. Turn order is determined by the person last on the path. If you move too far ahead to claim a space, you're allowing your opponents more time to move and gain points. There are several locations where everyone will catchup before you proceed on the path so no one can really get too far ahead. The artwork is beautiful and adds to the zen-like experience of playing. Actions you take against another player appear very subtle since all you can really do is block them from taking a certain space but then they may take a space you really want. This is a good game to introduce non-gamers to or to people that just want a relatively simple game to learn and play.

Great Family game. Fun and strategic as well as being beautiful. Another game that totally lives up to the hype. The game is easy to pick up and teach, and its unique movement system is something that can appeal to anyone of any age. It's a fun thinky puzzle game that scratches the itch that something like sudoku or solitaire might scratch. It doesn't take too long to play either, so you're always left with that "one more game!" feeling. I'm glad I finally copped a copy, and I couldn't recommend it more.

GREAT GAME! When I was describing this game to my SO (based on reviews before we played), he sounded really disinterested. He thought it'd be really dumb. There's actually strategy in how to play to win. Counter to Western games which are formulaic in how-to-win (I enjoy these), Japanese board games are not as straightforward. The strategy to win changes each time - it depends on how your opponents are playing. When you play 2-player, there is a 3rd, neutral token controlled by the players in a specific fashion. This neutral token adds another layer of strategy to the game. Children can easily play and gain points, having fun, while adults can strategize for maximum score. A truly thoughtful game that can be played in either a relaxed manner or with an intensely competitive style. Buy this now. There is so much replay value.

You won't regret it. Absolutely love this unique game! Worth every penny.

This is a great game in that while there is a bit of randomness, overall the game is completely in the hands of hte players. They decide how far to move nad what to do when they land on a space. Those choices can win them the game or lose it. They want know until the end, as players can have secret goals. The artwork is stunning and the game sets up and plays in under an hour even with new players or those prone to analysis paralysis. One of my favorites, which is why I finally purchased it and the expansions.

Tokaido is a great game with an element of strategy but mostly very laid back. Easy to learn, but with a curve to master the strategy elements to get as many points as you can. Choices matter and can be costly, which I am normally not a fan of. But this game does it in a way that doesn't break the game or make it less fun.

Un hermoso juego de mesa, diferente, divertido y fácil de aprender. Si te gustan los detalles populares de la cultura japonesa es definitivamente un juego que no debe faltar. Estéticamente bien diseñado desde la caja a los componentes del juego. Es un juego de persecución y estrategia pero, ligero y agradable. Centrado en la idea que "el viaje es mas divertido que llegar al destino" . Las partidas siempre resultan amenas y entretenidas y duran una hora aproximadamente, lo cual lo hace una magnífica opción en reuniones familiares o de amigos. En mi opinión, es un excelente juego.

Played this game quite a few times with my family and always loved the game. It’s not overly competitive, nor cutthroat, but there’s definitely a lot of planning involved to make things happen haha. A fun buy if you’re looking to play a little more relaxed game.

Undoubtedly a sumptuous visual feast for Japanophiles as travellers simulate the ancient tokaido experience and be rewarded for it. The eye-catching artwork resembles that of an anime or manga with a pre-Meiji backdrop. Depending on the number of players gameplay can take anything from 30 min to an hour. It certainly works best as a "gateway" game for the uninitiated. It's easy to learn and very nice to look at. The game can be played as peaceably or aggressively as the players want to. It combines an element of luck (card draws) and leaves room for the use of tactics as players inevitably get in the way of each other's leisure and consumption goals. Although I bought this to get the entire family off their devices, there is a cute iOS/Android app that opens up more opportunities to play different players. For the more competitive amongst us it allows for some extra practice.

Gioco molto divertente e ingenioso. In viaggio nell'antico Giappone ottimi disegni e grande giocabilità.

Very nice game. Board is beautiful and the concept and gameplay is nice. Doesnt feel like you are competing and more like just going on a journey and doing what you want.