Pair A Dice Games Corner

Kiri-Ai: The Duel

I love two-player games. There is something about sitting across from your opponent and trying to beat them. Patchwork and Onitami have competed for my go-to games for the longest time. But now, there is a new sheriff (or samurai) in town.

Kiri-Ai: The Duel is a two-player card game, that is both extremely portable and beautifully complex. Both players will have cards that will be used for movement, attacks, and special attacks. Each player will choose two cards in an attempt to strike an opponent.

This is where the complexity of the game comes in. Distance to your opponent matters because each attack has a range. Attacks also have a speed to them, allowing you to strike before your opponent.

As the game plays out, it feels like a dance between you and your opponent, as you both attempt to position for your next strike. Where will your opponent be when you want to strike? Will you dodge your opponent’s attack?

The art is great and very stylized and the game is very portable, coming in a simple black pouch, you can bring it everywhere. I’ve have made sure to bring it with me as much as I can.