In Momiji, you attempt to fulfill objectives by collecting the most valuable autumn leaves from the Imperial Garden in ancient Japan.
You start with a hand of six leaf cards and a series of three landscape powers that combine to form a unique panorama. (For the first game, landscapes are assigned, but they can be drafted in subsequent games.) Leaf cards come in 4-6 types depending on the number of players, with values of 0-3 in each type. Start with four random cards in the central playing area, sorted by type. Place 4-6 randomly chosen objective tokens in the center of play; sample objectives are collecting the most 0s, having the most cards of a specific type, or having the highest sum of visible cards at game's end.
On your turn, choose one of these three options:
Collect leaf cards: Take all the leaves of one type from the central display and add them to your hand; if you wish, pay one acorn token to reveal four new leaf cards prior to choosing a type.
Play leaf cards: Place 1-2 leaf cards of the same type or two or more cards of different types in your player area. Each type is placed in its own pile, with 0 being the first card you can play of a type; each subsequent card must the same number or at most one larger. Once you play a 3 on a pile, cover that pile with a torii token as that pile is now closed for you. If you play different types, then after playing, each pair of adjacent topmost cards in your area; if both cards show an acorn on the adjacent corners, you take two acorn tokens from the reserve.
Activate a objective token: Pay three acorn tokens to place an objective token in your player area. This activates the objective, and anyone might score for it at game's end.
Once during a turn, you can discard two cards from your hand for one acorn token or spend an acorn to use a landscape power or do both of these actions. You can use each landscape power at most once during a game.
When the leaf card deck is empty or after 4-6 leaf piles are closed with a torii token, the game ends. For each pile of leaves, you score points equal to the value of the topmost card multiplied by the number of cards in the pile. Remaining acorn tokens are worth 1 point each. For each activated objective, you see who best meets the condition and therefore scores points; if the player holding the token scores, they receive 10 points, whereas anyone else who scores that objective receives 3 points. Each player scores in case of a tie. The player with the most victory points at the end of the game wins.
- Cute design of the figures
- Appealing collectible aspect
- Engaging secret wish/message feature
- Includes a usable badge/sticker
- Did not get the mystery doll
- Price might not be ideal ($18.95)
- collectible message doll with a secret wish
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Badge/Sticker — A fabric badge or sticker is included with the figure, which can be attached to a bag.
- Blind Box — The product is a collectible blind box where the specific character inside is not known until opened.
- Collectible Figure — The primary item is a small collectible figure.
- Secret Message/Wish — Each doll contains a hidden message and a space to write a personal wish, which is then hidden within the doll.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Hidden inside each Miji doll is a message just for you and a place to write your own secret wish.
- Wrap yourself in moon beams and believe in lovely mayes.
- So, it's like a a fabric badge, which I think is awesome.
References (from this video)
- Tapestry
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Dinosaur Island oh my gosh this is impossible there's no way to beat them all
- the mill is victorious in the league for rankings
- we tie at two goals and we go times three 2 * 3 is 6 for both of us
- next time we are going to league three
- the mill team might not end up victorious in this league
References (from this video)
- artwork is appealing
- includes solo mode and multiple scenarios
- score pad and pencil included
- cards feel nice
- may require sleeving for many cards; uncertain sleeve compatibility
- no clear insert for organization
- art-focused family-friendly game with solo scenarios
- Japan-inspired setting with maple leaf motif
- n/a
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card-driven actions — standard-size cards are used to perform actions and manage in-game decisions
- solo/playthrough scenarios — multiple solitaire scenarios in the rulebook; requires scorekeeping tools
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- solitaire mode so it starts on page eight of the rulebook
- some punch-out boards for tokens
- by dario
- isn't it beautiful
- that is momiji
- i plan to do a solo playthrough as long as it fits in the camera comfortably
References (from this video)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- We have 63 games to talk to you about today.
- Grab a coffee, we're gonna go quick.
- We love board games and board gaming things.
- I just bought too many bones and dungeons dice in danger.
- If you're interested in buying board games, I feel like we missed a bunch.