Namiji
- Players
- 2-5
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 45 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 8+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 1.7 / 5
- Year
- 2022
About the game
In Namiji, you play fishers along the coast of old Japan, casting lines and nets to fill your racks with colorful fish while paying respect to the gods of the sea. The board's linear action track works much like Tokaido: the player currently furthest behind takes the next turn, choosing whether to advance slowly for more turns or race ahead to claim a coveted action space. Along the way you can improve your equipment, fulfill the wishes of the sea gods, and haul in valuable catches through push-your-luck traps. It's a gentle, visually striking set-collection game about balance between patience and ambition.
Hobbli's Notes
Namiji wears its Tokaido inspiration proudly, and that's not a bad thing: Antoine Bauza's track-based turn order remains a clever, low-friction way to keep everyone engaged. The fishing theme and gorgeous art give it its own charm, and the push-your-luck traps add a bit more tension than its predecessor. A lovely choice for a relaxed family evening.
What we like
- Beautiful, evocative artwork and theme.
- Tokaido-style track mechanism keeps turns interesting for everyone.
- Easy to teach to new and casual players.
- Push-your-luck fishing traps add a satisfying risk element.
Keep in mind
- Limited direct interaction between players.
- Some downside from downtime as player count increases.
- Luck of tile draws can outweigh planning at times.
Who it's for
Families and casual gamers who enjoy calm, scenic set-collection games, roughly ages 8 and up, best with 3-5 players.
