Saturday, April 12, 2014

Mai-Star


By all appearances and reputations Geisha are the epitome of culture, refinement, social etiquette and charm.  They are delicate, gentle, subservient, unassuming and willing to please in all areas.
 
But: appearances and reputations can be deceiving.  That's what I discovered In AEG's Mail-Star Card Game of Beauty and Guile by Seiji Kanai.

In Mai-Star players assume the role of gGeisha in the Emerald Empire.  The 'floating world' of the Geisha House is resplendent in art, music, conversation and all of the arts and social skills.

The prettier and more talented the Geisha are the more opportunities they have for personal gain, prestige and power. Powered faces, coiffure hair, silk attire and manners often hide hearts of greed, avarice and guile.

It's Geisha versus Geisha as each vie for the top tier of success.  Deception, manipulation, deceit and sabotage are common tools used as Geisha struggle to maintain their current positions and rise to the top.

In Mai-Star players assume the roll of Geisha who serve 'guests' who reward them with money but, only if they select the proper cards to raise their reputation.

 Geisha must choose which 'guest' to use for finance or for advertisers for their skills.  The player with the most money after three round earns the title of Mai-Star.

Game play averages about 1/2 hour+ and requires players to move quickly, tally points on Score Sheets and play Geisha and Customer cards (included in the Starter Box.)

I never pictured myself as a Geisha but I did have a fun time playing the game and after chatting with other local gamers it appears they did too.  Now, where's a good tea room when you need one?