Wouter & Ymke 
Vacations are a time to unwind and have fun, and what better way to add a dose of enjoyment than with a versatile game like Tawa? Designed to be portable and user-friendly, it offers three diverse game modes: competitive, co-op, and solo.
👥 1-4 players, age 7+
⌛ Playing time: 10-20 minutes
📝 Designers: Louis Hsu
🏢 Publisher: Mokuomo (preview copy provided)
Click here to visit the Kickstarter campaign!
Before diving into the individual game modes, let’s understand the fundamental rules that govern Tawa. Each player is allowed to pick and stack only one rock at a time, utilizing only one hand. It’s important to maintain stability, as a collapsing tower indicates failure. Additionally, players should refrain from touching the towers of their opponents at any point.
🎲 In the competitive mode, designed for 2 to 4 players, the objective is to stack rocks according to the number obtained by a dice roll. The accumulation of points depends on the successful stacking of rocks, and collecting coins based on the score. The point goal necessary to win varies depending on the number of players participating. The die hides a special face that allows players to steal points from competitors based on the number of rocks stacked in their tower. Also, arranging the special Rosewood rocks in certain sequences can earn extra bonus points.
🤝 In the co-op mode, 2 to 4 players unite with a common goal: amassing a total of 20 points within a restricted number of 8 rounds. Similar to the competitive mode, players roll the dice to determine the number of rocks to stack, accumulating points and coins in the process. When the special face of the die is rolled, players have the chance to reduce the required winning total points. In this mode, configuring the Rosewood rocks into specific patterns can also grant players bonus points.
🧑🤝🧑 For those preferring a solitary experience, the solo mode serves as an engaging challenge. Here, the objective is to score at least 30 points within a span of 10 minutes. Players roll the die to reveal a number, which corresponds to a unique rock combination to stack. Successfully completing the combination grants points, with an opportunity to earn double points using the special face of the dice.
Designed by Louis Hsu and brought to you by Mokuomo, Tawa serves as a distinctive entry into the realm of portable dexterity games. As a game that easily finds its place in a small wooden box, it stands as a practical choice for those looking to spice up their vacation time without needing to lug around a hefty package.
👐 At its core, Tawa invites players to engage in a balancing act with wooden rocks, which are both visually appealing and pleasant to touch, thanks to their high-quality craftsmanship. But beyond its aesthetic allure, the game offers an engaging gameplay that requires a combination of skill and strategy.
🪵 The gameplay of Tawa offers versatility, accommodating various preferences, whether it’s a friendly competition, cooperative play, or a solo venture. This versatility is largely thanks to its flexible rules and strategic elements that weave through the different game modes. Players can find themselves carefully stacking rocks to form towers, trying to arrange the Rosewood rocks in certain patterns to gain bonus points.
💭 Tawa promises an enjoyable time, especially for those looking for a game that isn’t just fun but also challenges both skill and strategy. If you are considering a portable game that combines both art and entertainment in a compact package, Tawa might just be what you’re looking for.
📝 Thank you to Mokuomo for making this review possible by lending us a copy of the game to explore.
