曼荼羅 (Mandara) (2015)

About this game

Mandala is type of painting that represents the Buddhist interpretation of the appearance of the universe. Various mandalas are painted to embody the beliefs of Buddhism, even in Japan, ancient artifacts from the Asuka period (550-710 CE) have been left behind. In this game, the players are mandala painters working together to paint a single mandala while competing against each other’s skills. The completion of a mandala painting is accompanied by huge suffering; the painters’ minds wander in six types of world of indecision that are called the six realms. The player who makes the most splendid contribution to the completion of mandala throughout the game to express that belief will win the game. Note: The six realms is a Buddhist concept. It includes Deva realm, Asura realm, Human realm, Animal realm, Hungry Ghost realm, Naraka realm, which are represented by the 6 cards in this game.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 3 to 4.
• Rules load. At 3.0/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.