Last Updated on August 15, 2021 by ellen
I love strategy games although I admit that I am far from an expert. I don’t really have an analytic mind and tend to react on first impulse rather than analyze all of my different options and possible outcomes. So, what is a strategy game? A strategy game is a came where your decisions influence the outcome of the game. Strategy games emphasize skillful thinking, planning and problem solving skills.
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Niya: A Strategy Game
Niya is a strategy game that takes place in the Garden of Conspiracy. Niya is based on the Japanese Imperial Garden where there is a conspiracy between two two influential clans hidden beneath the beauty and courtly manners of the Imperial Garden. Niya includes 16 Clan Tokens, 16 Garden Tiles and a rule book. The game comes in an attractive tin for easy storage. Niya is intended for ages 8 to adult and is a two player game.
Each square garden tile has two elements – one is a plant and one is a poetic symbol. The goal of the game is to do one of these things:
- Line up 4 members of your clan in a row.
- Arrange a 2×2 square of 4 clan members.
- Block your opponent so they have no more moves.
To play Niya, you shuffle the 16 garden tiles and arrange them randomly in a 4×4 pattern. This is the Imperial Garden. Each player chooses a clan and places their tokens on each side of the board. When it’s your turn, you replace a garden tile with one of your clan tokens. The next person must exchange a token for a garden tile that shares an element in common with the tile that was just removed. You continue along until one of the three conditions above happens.
Marty and I had a night without kids and we decided that it would be the perfect time to play Niya. Marty is REALLY good at strategy games and is one of those people that actually understands chess. I figured that I would probably lose our game.
Niya was very easy to pick up and understand quickly. After a few minutes, we remembered what the different symbols were and didn’t need to refer to the directions. I was right, Marty did beat me but I had a great time anyway. The whole game from setup to finish took about 15 minutes so it’s perfect for a quick game on a busy night. Kids could definitely play but I found it fun as an adult as well. If you’re looking for a fun, new strategy game, this is it!
Check out the Funkoverse Strategy Game.
Ellen is a mom of a 25-year-old son and 30-year-old daughter. She is Grandma to one adorable toddler. In what little spare time she has, she loves to read, watch movies, and check out the latest toys and games.
That uses a lot of mind power to play. I think I would get frustrated with ths game.
It’s much easier than you think, Tara. I really enjoyed it!
this looks like a really cool game and very interesting. I would really have to pay attention! The game is beautiful too,
I agree, Alison. The drawings are so pretty.
This looks like a very unique gift for a person who has everything and likes a challenge. It’s on my Christmas gift giving list possibilities.
It really is a fun game, Deb. It would make a great gift!