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Description
In Tokaido, each player is a traveler crossing the "East sea road", one of the most magnificent roads of Japan. While traveling, you will meet people, taste fine meals, collect beautiful items, discover great panoramas, and visit temples and wild places but at the end of the day, when everyone has arrived at the end of the road you'll have to be the most initiated traveler – which means that you'll have to be the one who discovered the most interesting and varied things.
The potential action spaces in Tokaido are laid out on a linear track, with players advancing down this track to take actions. The player who is currently last on the track takes a turn by advancing forward on the track to their desired action and taking that action, so players must choose whether to advance slowly in order to get more turns, or to travel more rapidly to beat other players to their desired action spaces.
The action spaces allow a variety of actions that will score in different, but roughly equal, ways. Some action spaces allow players to collect money, while others offer players a way to spend that money to acquire points. Other action spaces allow players to engage in various set collections that score points for assembling those sets. Some action spaces simply award players points for stopping on them, or give the player a randomly determined action from all of the other types.
All of the actions in Tokaido are very simple, and combined with a unique graphic design, Tokaido offers players a peaceful zen mood in its play.
Year Published
2012
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 13
This page: 13
Sentiment:
pos 12 ·
mix 0 ·
neu 1 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–13 of 13
Video 9_NcqaHe2hA
Adam Porter's Board Game Channel analysis at 16:23:20 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12785 · mention_pk 37307
Click to watch at 16:23:20 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Simple set collection mechanics
- Relaxing gameplay
- Elegant time management system
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Travel and collection
- Historical Japanese journey
- Peaceful thematic
Comparison games
- Patchwork
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Time track — Players move forward on a time track based on actions taken; furthest back player goes next, allowing them to take any position on track
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- that sense of destruction sheer destruction of the playing space and you don't get that much in board games
- i think that's a really nice level of interaction in games because it's not mean spirited it's not vindictive but it still means you've got to constantly keep thinking
- i've got my own deck that alone is exciting and different to the vast majority of games that i had played in the past
- the deck is created as we play we're buying cards from a central pool
- everybody's got a bit of the same information a bit of different information and it makes the game really really intriguing
- everybody's running around a table shouting over each other trying to find the people with the same card
- i've played it with my german family and my english family who can't speak to each other because i don't speak the same language but they could all play happy salmon together
- everyone's got their own set of poker dice and they're rolling them all at the same time you're not having to wait for somebody else
- these are just the most fantastic little components that i've i've found in games i absolutely love them
- it takes six minutes to play which is three rounds of drawing one minutes each and three rounds of guessing one minute each
- it's so frustrating it just gets in the way it's not fun
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 1w4LbMMDh2U
Unknown game_review at 0:11 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12744 · mention_pk 37177
Click to watch at 0:11 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Gorgeous production and aesthetic; pleasant to look at
- Cozy, relaxing experience suitable for families
- Accessible to casual gamers with straightforward rules
- Satisfying to complete panoramas and collect items
- Non-competitive in a cutthroat sense; emphasizes pleasant journey
Cons
- Lacks deep strategic tension; not brain-melting
- Some players might desire more depth or conflict
- Limited solo mode (no solo play in base game); Matsuri expansion adds more complexity
- Gameplay can feel repetitive since every space offers something
Thematic elements
- pleasure of travel, cultural experiences, collecting moments and scenery
- Edo period, Japan; traveling along the Tokaido road from Kyoto to Edo
- calm, contemplative, cozy journey
Comparison games
- Eternal Palace
- Takenoko
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Action selection and movement — Players move their traveler along the road to different locations; choose actions by placing meeples on spaces.
- Encounter and event cards — Encounter cards and Matsuri expansion events influence scoring and flow.
- Endgame scoring goals — Endgame bonuses based on encounters, most expensive foods, most items, etc.
- location-based actions — Locations like shops, farms, inns provide items, money, or events.
- Panorama sets and bonuses — Three panorama cards with increasing length; completing one yields a bonus.
- Resource management — Food cards, coins, and items are managed for scoring and purchasing.
- Turn order and pacing — Turn order is tied to the back of the line; the last player acts first.
- Variable player powers — Each traveler character has unique powers that affect actions or scoring.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- on the positive side it's a gorgeous looking game
- it's a cozy game
- it's not a brain-melting strategy game; if you're looking for that, keep looking
- it's an easy recommendation for family game night
- the best thing about this game is completing the panoramas
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video p7YpkPiP5F4
3-Minute Board Games game_review at 0:16 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12530 · mention_pk 36559
Click to watch at 0:16 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
Positive
Pros
- Gorgeous looking game
- Delightful and pleasant experience
- Competitive but relaxing
- Competing over pleasant trip instead of crushing opponents
- Easy recommendation for family game night
- Completing panoramas is satisfying
Cons
- Opinion oscillates on the game
- Can feel less like a game and more like an experience
- Limited strategic depth
- Some days reviewer finds it barely a game
Thematic elements
- Edo period Japan
- Travel
- Journey
- Road
- Kyoto to Edo
- Culture
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is the Undisputed king of light war games
- The order system Nails this ambiguity perfectly
- Earth is an engine Builder's Delight
- It's a brilliant game for couples
- Cascadia is in many ways a perfect game
- Too comfy for me
- Wormspan is a tight engine building game
- Most delightful and pleasant games available
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Ll_ljl7aWSk
Going Analog game_show at 9:12 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10639 · mention_pk 31397
Click to watch at 9:12 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- beautiful art and calming feel
- accessible for families
Cons
- can be too static for some gamers
- not deeply strategic
Thematic elements
- experience-seeking journey and mindful exploration
- Edo-period Japan, travel along the Tokaido road
- calm, zen-like
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- set collection / card drafting — Draft experiences along the journey to collect cards.
- tile/board path
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the seminal 2008 cooperative game by matt licock
- Flatline a real-time cooperative game by kane klenko features players racing to treat crew members on a spaceship
- in the classic dexterity game operation
- you roll dice to attack, heal, gain energy and score points with the special power card
- this is a very beautiful game
- it's absolutely not this game you're just like making little buildings and it's so cute
- you lent my game out to my friend Hannah
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 9wIyluE6tEE
Unknown Channel top_10_list at 5:40 sentiment: positive
video_pk 8817 · mention_pk 26010
Click to watch at 5:40 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- exceptionally relaxing and aesthetically pleasing
- flows well and is calming to play
- clear, unobtrusive decisions
Cons
- points are somewhat predictable; few challenging choices
Thematic elements
- sequence of peaceful sightseeing and experiences
- travel along the ancient Tokaido road in Japan
- journey-driven, zen-like
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- gift/experience cards — gain points by visiting sites and collecting art and goods
- set collection / route progression — decisions about where to stop along a track to maximize points
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a really therapeutic game
- the production is gorgeous
- I just enjoy looking at all the arts
- extremely relaxing to play
- I don't care about winning, I just enjoy the process
- lose myself in this one
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video a66rQr_23ys
Stonemire Games general_discussion at 6:31 sentiment: positive
video_pk 8252 · mention_pk 24189
Click to watch at 6:31 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Calm and approachable for classroom and family settings
- Encourages storytelling and shared experiences
Cons
- Some players prefer heavier strategy games
Thematic elements
- Exploration, experiences, and culture during travel
- Journey along a scenic road in a peaceful region
- Calm, zen-like experience
Comparison games
- Obsession
- Brass Lancashire
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- set collection / route progression — Players collect experiences along a curated path.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Origin Story and Vantage again this past weekend and they are so so great.
- It was the best game of Flip Seven that I've ever had.
- I played Dave the Diver for about an hour last night and had a lot of fun with it.
- I've played Point Salad, but I have not played Point City.
- I run a board gaming club at my school in which I have been playing Obsession and Brass Lancashire.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video iADlafEL2CA
Going Analog general_discussion at 5:04 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6250 · mention_pk 18514
Click to watch at 5:04 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- beautiful art and pastel aesthetics
- gentle, non-hostile atmosphere that works well for newcomers
- easy to teach with a relaxing feel
Cons
- not highly competitive
- minimal interaction between players
Thematic elements
- calm exploration and self-improvement
- travel along the Tokaido road in Edo-period Japan
- serene, contemplative
Comparison games
- Cecotto
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- route planning and action selection — choices along the path influence future options and scoring
- set collection — players collect kimonos, meals, temples, and souvenirs along the road
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's really quick five minutes to teach and play
- the art is just so clean and the color scheme is so pleasing to the eyes
- you're busy rolling Yahtzee dice but you're attacking each other
- it's a role-playing game
- Lost Cities is a fantastic gateway game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 3SG-6QpJZ1s
Stonemire Games discussion at 9:33 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5171 · mention_pk 15328
Click to watch at 9:33 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Text support on character tiles to explain icon combinations
- Reduces cognitive load from icon combinations
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Journey
- Japanese
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- The one thing I've realized from playing on board game arena is that I'm out of practice on scoring games. So I would say to game developers, make sure scoring is streamlined and not too convoluted.
- Musical immersion and satisfying feedback for interacting with the game. Fun game vs fun video game actions may not even have any actual utility, but they still feel good.
- Don't forget to design catchup mechanisms. The way Mario Kart World weighs its items based on racer position is such an enjoyable simple catch-up mechanism.
- Video games reward you for completing tough challenges with meaningful unlocks. Trek 12 is my favorite example of this.
- Video games stay fresh through patches, updates, and community content.
- Video games let you tailor the challenge to your comfort zone from casual mode to insane mode.
- Video games excel at simultaneous engagement. Everyone's playing all the time. Imagine Mario Kart where each player races one at a time instead of all at the same time.
- There are few things that are more intimidating than a 20 plus page rule book. Video games drop you into the action quickly and teach you as you play.
- Board games often withhold feedback until the final score tally. Video games give you constant feedback loops. Mid-game checkpoints and milestones could help players better understand how they're doing.
- I am much more of a tabletop game player than a digital game player. But I over the last few years, especially in researching Vantage, I researched a lot of video games.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video wlIeooaozuE
Rodney Smith (Watch It Played) rules_teach at 17:12 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4927 · mention_pk 14640
Click to watch at 17:12 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- involved euro game
- clever dice usage
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Japanese theme
Comparison games
- Kingsburg
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Formula D is really the epitome of roll and move games in the modern era
- Settlers of Catan which was perhaps the most significant euro game that really sparked this whole new wave of modern board games
- Yahtzee has become a mechanic in its own right
- epitomises dice games really and how far they've come
- this is a bit of a tricky one to learn, it's well worth the effort
- ridiculously more fun than it should be
- playing with children it's fantastical
- absolutely brilliant
- this is my top 10 different ways to use dice in wooden board games
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video LudNUphZafk
Stonemire Games general_discussion at 1:20 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 3892 · mention_pk 11376
Click to watch at 1:20 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
Pros
- franchise ecosystem in development with expansions teased
- calm pacing suitable for casual game night
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- experience gathering and travel in a contemplative journey
- Japan-inspired route across scenic landscapes, Edo-era aesthetic
- light, thematic, relaxing
Comparison games
- Wingspan
- Wingspan expansions
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Expansion interactions — mentions of expansions and playmat, indicating modular components and themed add-ons
- route/hand-management with event checks — players move along a guided route, selecting experiences and collecting items along the way
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Apiary is very much a bee game.
- Apistocracy kind of takes the idea of a beehive and turns it into a societal construct in Victorian England.
- I played two games of Smitten 2 with her husband this morning.
- The switch was super easy and seamless.
- You can't do that. you can only take one of these location actions.
- Vidiculture was a game that I designed from scratch from the ground up because I really wanted to design a game and put it on Kickstarter.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video kZfH9CDypV4
Board Gameco playthrough at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2458 · mention_pk 7194
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Relaxed, scenic travel theme with approachable rules
- Multiple, varied scoring avenues (panoramas, souvenirs, encounters, meals, baths)
- Character abilities add variety without overwhelming the game
- End-of-game awards create strategic tension and opportunities to swing scoring
Cons
- Money management can be tight; some decisions are economically constrained
- Three-player variant reduces available spaces, potentially narrowing choices
- Tracking all end-game bonuses can be confusing for new players
Thematic elements
- Journey, cultural encounters, collecting experiences
- Travel along the Tokaido road in Edo-period Japan, visiting locations to collect experiences and points on a peaceful journey.
- calm travelogue with scenic imagery
Comparison games
- Scythe
- Nami (Nami: A Spiritual Successor)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Character abilities (optional) — Each character provides a special ability; players may include them or play with everyone having seven coins.
- Diverse scoring tracks (souvenirs, encounters, baths, meals) and set collection — Different spaces reward points; players collect card sets and aim for end-game bonuses.
- Movement along a track with last-to-act order and mandatory inn visits — Players advance along a scenic route; the last-placed player acts next, and inns cannot be skipped.
- Panorama cards and color bonuses — Taking panorama cards yields points by color; completing a panorama can grant bonus points for being first.
- Temple donations and end-game awards — Donating coins to the temple and winning awards (e.g., most encounters, most panoramas) shape final scoring.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- The journey of life.
- The last player is always the first one to go.
- we are playing a three-player game which means many of these pathways have multiple spots.
- The world is your oyster.
- That's insane.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video YSwWhvT4lBU
Good Time Society game_review at 0:54 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1831 · mention_pk 5278
Click to watch at 0:54 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Complex strategic gameplay
- Multiple paths to victory
- Interesting tile interaction mechanics
- Replayability through different tile combinations
Cons
- Complex rules for new players
- Steep learning curve
- Income management can be challenging
Thematic elements
- Suburban City Planning
- Urban Development/City Building
- Engine Building
Comparison games
- Catan
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine building — Gradually build an economic engine by strategically placing tiles
- Income Management — Players manage income, population, and reputation through tile placement and adjacency
- tile placement — Players build their borough by placing hexagonal tiles with different district types
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Ruthless capitalism is an alternate title
- You can craft your borough how you want it
- This is an engine builder where population is the key goal
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video rrmFBYHVPx8
Board Game Co top_8_list at 2:09 sentiment: positive
video_pk 170 · mention_pk 478
Click to watch at 2:09 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Strong sense of journey and experience
- Accessible entry point into designer games
Cons
- Less explicit life-story focus than Life for some players
Thematic elements
- journey, culture, personal experience
- Japan-inspired travel along a scenic route
- storytelling through travel experiences
Comparison games
- Life
- The Sims
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- hand/resource management — Balancing cards/resources to maximize scoring opportunities.
- move along a track / route progression — Players advance on a path and decide how far to travel each turn.
- set collection / resource gathering — Players collect items and souvenirs as they move and visit sites.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's literally just about the journey that you're on.
- you are simply moving along a track.
- you craft a story.
- This is a story of your villagers of how they're going to go around collecting the things you need as you try to find the various ways to find victory points.
- you are telling your story, but you're doing so with dice rolls and cards
- it's incredibly accessible
- you are going to lend itself to full fantasy over here
- you are trying to set up all these marriages to try to get these various people into your family
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
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