Kōhaku

Kohaku is a delightful game that I've found myself drawn to again and again. It's a peaceful, zen-like experience that's perfect for relaxing after a long day. The core gameplay revolves around drafting tiles representing koi and features for your own personal koi pond. It's a tile-laying puzzle with a focus on spatial awareness and careful planning. You'll be scoring points by arranging your tiles in clever ways, matching colors, and maximizing the benefits of different elements like frogs, butterflies, and turtles.

I love the art style and the way the components come together. The heavy cardboard tiles with the water splash effects are really nice, even without the Kickstarter upgrade. The small wooden fish used for scoring are a cute touch. The game itself is fairly simple to learn but offers enough strategic depth to keep things interesting, making it perfect for both casual players and those who enjoy a more complex puzzle.

One thing that really appeals to me is how well it works solo. I'm not a big solo gamer, but I find myself returning to Kohaku when I want a relaxing and engaging experience. I also appreciate the quick playtime, making it a perfect choice for a quick gaming session. It's a game I could easily bring to a family gathering or a casual gaming session with friends.

Overall, Kohaku is a fantastic choice for anyone who appreciates peaceful, strategic games with beautiful components. It's a gem of a game that I highly recommend.