Kaigan

Ascora Games, Takamagahara · Board game · 2009
7.8 Ludopedia 6.9 BGG 3–4 · best 4 90 min Weight 2.9/5
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7.8 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy thematic games with a historical touch and area control mechanics, Kaigan might be a great choice! The experience of mapping ancient Japan, managing resources, and influencing regions is quite immersive and strategic. It's a game that rewards planning and adaptability, ideal for those looking for a balanced competition with an engaging theme.

Highlights
  • Engaging historical theme
  • Area control strategy
  • Challenging resource management
  • Indirect player interaction
  • Quality components
Keep in mind
  • Can feel a bit dry
  • Initial learning curve
  • Best with 4 players
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About the game

What you do in a play session

In Kaigan, we're transported to 19th-century Japan, specifically the year 1800, following the incredible journey of Tadataka Ino. At 55, he embarked on a mission to create the first scale map of the Japanese coast using super modern surveying techniques for the era. A project that lasted 21 years and resulted in a 1:36000 scale map, which remained the definitive map of Japan for over a century! And his work brought recognition not only to himself but to the entire country! In the game, you and your friends take on the roles of chief surveyors, competing to map the Japanese coast. The idea is to generate income by improving your artistic skills and building relationships with local governments. With this money, you dispatch your surveyors to different regions of the island, all to map as much as possible. At the end of 5 rounds, representing Ino's 21-year endeavor, the player who has traveled the farthest and contributed the most to mapping Japan will gain the most honor and, of course, win the game!

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–4 players
3 BEST
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Country: Japan
Publisher Ascora Games, Takamagahara
Designer Kenichi Tanabe
Artist Alexandra Lake, Peke (ぺけ), Wayne Porter

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

452owners
199wishlist
46want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
How many players does Kaigan support?
Kaigan is designed for 3 to 4 players, with the most complete and competitive experience achieved with the maximum number of participants.
What is the average playtime for Kaigan?
A game of Kaigan typically lasts between 90 and 90 minutes, depending on players' familiarity with the rules and their strategies.
What is Kaigan's complexity level?
The game has a BGG weight of 2.94/5, classifying it as a medium-complexity game. It's not super heavy, but it does require some strategy and planning.
Is Kaigan language dependent?
No, language dependency in Kaigan is minimal. Components are largely iconographic, making the game accessible even without English knowledge.
Who is Kaigan recommended for?
Kaigan is recommended for players who enjoy Eurogames with area control, hand management, and a well-integrated historical theme. If you like planning your moves and competing for influence, you'll enjoy it!
Are there any expansions for Kaigan?
As of now, there is no information about official expansions released for Kaigan. The base game offers a complete experience on its own.

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