Overview
Big Kini is a strategy game for 2-4 players in which players explore a variable landscape to discover islands and try to gain influence and prestige. Players take over posts on islands which give them special abilities, while competing for resources and territorial control. The game features a modular board that changes each game, combining exploration, area control, and resource management.
Components
- Modular island tiles (creating a variable board each game)
- Player pawns and influence markers
- Post tokens (providing special abilities)
- Resource tokens
- Prestige point track
- Dice
- Rules booklet
Setup
Randomly arrange island tiles to create the playing area. Each player selects a color and takes their pawns, influence markers, and starting resources. Place the prestige track nearby. Determine the first player.
Turn Structure
On each turn:
- Explore: Reveal new island tiles to expand the playing area.
- Move: Move your pawns to adjacent islands.
- Claim Posts: Take control of posts on islands you occupy, gaining special abilities.
- Collect Resources: Gather resources from controlled islands.
- Score Prestige: Earn prestige points based on controlled posts and completed objectives.
Actions
- Explore: Flip face-down island tiles to reveal new territory. The order and placement of exploration shapes the game’s geography.
- Move Pawns: Move your pawns between connected islands. Movement may be limited by terrain or opponent influence.
- Claim Posts: When your pawn is on an island with an unclaimed post, take control of it. Posts provide unique special abilities that enhance your capabilities.
- Use Post Abilities: Activated posts grant special powers such as extra movement, resource bonuses, combat advantages, or scoring multipliers.
- Collect Resources: Gather resources from islands you control. Resources may be needed to claim posts or perform special actions.
Scoring / Victory Conditions
The game ends when a certain number of posts have been claimed or a prestige threshold is reached. The player with the most prestige points wins. Prestige is earned through controlling posts, completing objectives, and accumulating resources.
Special Rules & Edge Cases
- Variable Map: The modular board means every game has a different layout, providing high replayability.
- Post Abilities: Each post provides a unique ability. Choosing which posts to prioritize is a key strategic decision.
- Influence Control: Multiple players may contest the same islands, requiring tactical maneuvering.
- Expansion Available: An expansion adds support for 5-6 players and action cards for additional variety.
Player Reference
| Action |
Effect |
| Explore |
Reveal new island tiles |
| Move |
Reposition pawns |
| Claim Post |
Gain special ability |
| Collect |
Gather resources |
| Score |
Earn prestige points |