Broken and Beautiful: A Game About Kintsugi

Left Justified Studio, Board Game Circus, Gam'inBIZ · Board game · 2023
2–4 · best 2 15 min Weight 1.5/5
7.0 rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG
Buy
7.0 rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Love the idea of turning broken things into something more beautiful? This Kintsugi-themed card game is a gem for those seeking a zen and visually pleasing experience.

Highlights
  • Unique and relaxing theme
  • Delicate and inspiring art
  • Accessible and quick mechanics
  • Great intro to Kintsugi
Keep in mind
  • Slightly luck-dependent
  • Scoring can be tricky initially
  • Low direct player interaction
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
Hey board game fans! Let's talk about 'Broken and Beautiful: A Game About Kintsugi'. This card game invites you to dive into the Japanese art of Kintsugi, which is basically about transforming broken things into something even more beautiful and valuable using a golden lacquer. The idea is that, in the game, you'll be selecting (or as we like to say, 'drafting') cards representing ceramic pieces like bowls, cups, and jars. The goal is to form sets that score points, but the twist is that not everything will stay intact. Some pieces will break, and that's where the strategy comes in: you need to decide which broken pieces are worth 'repairing' with your repair cards. Whole pieces are nice, broken dishes are worthless, but those that were broken and then repaired gain a special value, a unique shine. It's a quick game, with matches lasting about 15 minutes, ideal for 2 to 4 players. The main mechanics are Open Drafting, where you take cards from a common display, and Set Collection, where you try to gather the right pieces. The weight is super light, making it perfect for beginners or for those who want a more relaxed game with a very unique and zen theme. If you enjoy games with beautiful art, simple mechanics, and a theme that makes you think about imperfection and beauty, this game might be a great addition to your collection. It's an experience that goes beyond the usual, focusing on the beauty found in restoration and the idea that scars can make something even more special.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
3 BEST
4 REC
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Game details

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Country: Japan Digital Implementations: Sovranti Theme: Art
Publisher Left Justified Studio, Board Game Circus, Gam'inBIZ, Palladis Games
Designer Patrick Rauland
Artist Shirley Gong
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average playtime?
A game of Broken and Beautiful takes around 15 minutes, making it super quick to play.
How many players can play?
The game is for 2 to 4 players, working well with different group sizes.
Is it a difficult game to learn?
No, the rules are quite simple and straightforward, with easy-to-grasp mechanics, ideal for beginners.
What does Kintsugi mean?
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum, highlighting the 'scars' as part of the object's history.
Does the game have a lot of player interaction?
Interaction is mostly indirect, mainly through card drafting, where you might take something another player wanted.
Who would you recommend this game to?
We recommend it for those who enjoy games with artistic and philosophical themes, light mechanics, and quick playtime, as well as those seeking a more tranquil and contemplative experience.