Honshū*

Honshū is a strategic map-building card game set in feudal Japan, where players take on the roles of lords and ladies of noble houses. The game combines card drafting and trick-taking with an intriguing tile-placement mechanism.

Gameplay Overview

• Map Building: Players use map cards to expand their personal maps, creating landscapes filled with cities, lakes, forests, and resource fields.
• Trick-Taking Mechanism: Each round starts with a trick where players play map cards. The highest-valued card played determines the order for choosing cards to add to personal maps.
• Strategic Planning: Players must strategically decide where to place their chosen map cards to optimize their scoring opportunities.
• Player Order Manipulation: Positioning in the player order is key, as it affects card selection and placement strategies.

Special Features

• Feudal Japan Theme: The game is beautifully themed around feudal Japan, offering a unique cultural and historical context.
• Variable Setup: Each game is different due to the variable setup of map cards, providing high replayability.
• Scoring System: The game incorporates various ways to score points, including city size, resource accumulation, and specific landform connections.
• Compact and Accessible: Honshū is known for its compact size and accessible gameplay, making it suitable for a wide range of players.

Conclusion

Honshū is a delightful combination of card drafting, trick-taking, and tile placement, all set against the backdrop of feudal Japan. Its mix of strategic depth and accessibility makes it appealing to both casual gamers and those looking for a more thoughtful and strategic experience. The game's ability to balance simple mechanics with meaningful choices is a testament to its design, making it a great addition to any game collection.