1-2 Players
Designer: Antoine Bauza
Artist: Xavier Gueniffey Durin
Publisher: Stonemaier Games
Disclaimer: This copy of the game was very generously provided by Stonemaier Games for review purposes.
How to Play
Each player controls 3 different characters. Pilgrims just wander improving two different stats, painters flip and deliver paintings around town, and the merchant acquires and then sell products to specific towns.
Every turn, the active player rolls the three dice, then drafts one moving the related character. Then the other player takes the second die and the active player takes the final one. Play continues until one of the characters reaches the end of their respective scoring track.
Rules and Components
I’m not sure how the components compare to the previous Funforge version, but it’s what I come to expect from Stonemaier. Characters are nice and distinct, board is solid, dice and quite nice, and the cardboard tokens are sturdy. Rules are printed in high quality paper, and there is one set for each character for each player for ease of consultation.
Rules, however, are a bit lacking, which is unusual. Overall flow and actions are there, but some minute details are left to be interpreted or are just very briefly mentioned.
Score: 7.5/10
Gameplay
Let’s get it out of the way: this only barely feels like the original Tokaido. The journey characters, yes, but the flow is completely different. It’s not good or bad, it’s just what it is.
But, as its own game, it’s a very interesting dueling game. It’s not aggressive in terms of interaction, but rather being tactical in the movement and dice drafting to force your opponent to be suboptimal. You’re always progressing for the most part, but in this quick game being slightly better is usually enough to secure a victory.
There are three different characters, and they feel overall balanced, but not totally. Experts in the game can correct me, but I feel the painter is usually the easiest to handle, followed by the merchant. The pilgrim progresses slower, but has more utility to help the other characters.
Score: 8/10
Theme and Art
Naiade’s art is, as usual, amazing. It’s a very classic and distinctive look with lots of white contrasting with the heavy colors of the details. I love that even the same characters have very distinctive interpretations between the two players.
The theme also comes through well. In its simplicity, each character does feel like what they gameplay reflects. The Pilgrim is just passing by, admiring locations and having the longest journey. The Painter finds inspiration in peers, and gifts to those interested in their art. The merchant is just going around, getting wares and selling in the right cities.
Score:8/10
Conclusion
I’m evaluating this game not as a version of Tokaido, but as its own thing. I feel like other than the art, the connection is just not there enough. So, just so everyone knows, your opinion about Tokaido has very little bearing on your enjoyment of Tokaido Duo.
But, as far as duel games go, this is a very solid one. While none of the individual systems are unique, their interaction and the whole package is very well done.
And, as usual for Automa Factory, the solo experience is stellar. Easy to understand, very little overhead, and great balance.
Tokaido Duo is a fast and compact game that packs a huge punch. It uses interaction in a very interesting way, allowing it to be competitive without being cut-throat.
Score: 7.8/10
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