“e-SOLO-e” (絵揃) is a Japanese word that means "match symbols". Mitsuo Yamamoto, LOGY GAMES creator, invented this game in the summer in 2015. His idea was to use cube-shaped pieces with 3 different symbols on the cube faces. Originally the game was titled Moon-Sun-Angel. We made several prototype copies and attended the Tokyo Game Market 2015. All of the copies were sold out due to their great popularity.
In an effort to gain popularity in the gaming world, we have decided to redesign the game look and feel. The Kickstarter version is more compact with new attractive symbols. The compact size is perfect for taking the game anywhere and playing anytime. The new theme-based symbols make the game a beautiful and fun conversation piece for your desk, living room or collection case. e-SOLO-e makes a great gift for the active gamers on your shopping list.
We designed three editions each with a different theme; Japanesque, Spiritual and Cat World.
●Japanesque symbols are Geisha, Fuji-san (Mt. Fuji) and Sakura (cherry blossom).
●Spiritual symbols are Moon, Sun and Angel
●Cat World symbols are two cat illustrations and paw print.
All of our games are hand made. Ceramic tile paintings are fired at high temperature in our kiln and all other components are hand made, even though it often takes additional time and effort. We like to make games with a warm hand-made feel and we take great pride in the artisan quality of our games.
"Backer's Choice" option
We have created a new pledge level which is a backer customized game. We have prepared some symbols and board designs. Backers can select three symbols and a board design, and choose the game title. This Semi-Custom reward is something new we are trying with this campaign. We know this Reward has many elements that add complexity, however, we have decided to take on the challenge because we are excited about the opportunity to make original games in collaboration with our backers.
Components
One ceramic tile board and 16 hand crafted wooden cubes delivered in a solid card box.
Box size is 7 x 14 x 3 cm (2.7 x 5.5 x 1.2 in) and weight is 230 grams.
Ceramic board size is 6 x 13 x 1 cm.
Wooden cube size is 1.8 x 1.8 x 1.8 cm each.
Rules
【Number of Players】: Two
【Play time】: 5 ~ 20 minutes
【Board】: 1 x 5 squares board
【pieces and starting position】: Each player has their own 8 color cubes. There are symbols printed on three faces of the cubes. The other three faces are blank. There no cubes on the board at start of the game.
【play】: Players take turns and make one move at a time. Each player alternately places one cube on any square or on a cube already placed. Each cube must be played with a symbol face-up. Cubes can be placed up to 3 stories (storeys) high except that a player can place a cube at 4 stories (storeys) high on the final winning play.
Play is very simple but strategic. There are 36 placement variations on the first turn. ( 3 squares x 3 symbols x 4 angles = 36) Thus, there are 1,872 placement variations in the first round with two players.
【winning】: There are three ways to win the game.
Method One
To make 4 in-a-row with the players own color: horizontal, vertical or diagonal.
When we look at from left, right and upper angle, we count the cubes them without regard to their horizontal or vertical level.
Method Two
To make 4 in-a-row with the same symbol regardless of the pieces' color: either horizontal, vertical or diagonal.
Four Symbols in-a-row disregards which player's pieces make up the 4 pieces.
Method Three
To make two sets of 3 in-a-row with the same symbol regardless of which player's cube or color make up the set: either horizontal, vertical or diagonal.
I did mistake. Left photo shows green player won to make 4-in-a-raw with own color cubes from upper angle. I noticed it from backer's message. Thanks a lot and I am very sorry. LOGY GAMES creator Mitsuo Yamamoto. 27/Jan/2016
Additional Details:
● A player can only create a 3 in-a-row set if it contains a majority of their own color cubes (2 or 3).
Natural color created one 3 in-a-row horizontal with two of his own cubes. He can’t win immediately but it is his advantage. He can win the game at his next turn by making an additional 3 in-a-row. In the example above: Set 1 is the 3 Fuji-sans in the horizontal view, Set 2 is the 3 Sakura in the overhead (upper angle) view.
● We recognize 3 or 4 in-a-row from 5 angles which are; front side, back side, left side, right side and upper side.
You must always evaluate sets from five angles. This photo shows the natural color winning.
● This game is a mixture of simple yet strategic rules. Every game may suddenly be won due to a small careless mistake.
This is a very typical careless mistake. If the second player places their cube with the same orientation as the first player, the first player can easily create two sets of 3 in-a-row.
Play is easy but even the game geek players can enjoy strategic games.
Playing video on YouTube at Gtanda Tokyo 16th Jan. 2016
Let's play e-SOLO-e with 16 dice.
39 game restaurant blog in Japanese (日本語)
BGG original game info. Moon-Sun-Angel
BGG Crowdfunding Round-up: Second Chances and New Editions
The fee for shipping one copy anywhere in the world is $5 USD. We can safely ship door-to-door at a reasonable price because of Japan Post’s “international E-packet”(registered air small packet).
●Japanesque : 和風絵揃 $25USD + shipping
Typical Japanese symbols are selected. They are Geisha, Fujisan (Mt. Fuji) and Sakura (Cherry blossom). The wave image in the board design comes from a Ukiyoe picture. For those who prefer a Japanese theme.
●Spiritual : Moon-Sun-Angel $25USD + shipping
These are the original symbols used with the prototype game. The original game title comes from these symbols because we liked the catchy sound.
●Cat World : nekoten （ねこの天使） $25USD+shipping
Nekoten (ねこの天使) are characters drawn in woodcut print created by Shukuko Yamamoto. ねこの天使 means Cat Angel. She has an imagination about cats who are free from human life like Angels. They are cats but not cats. She has been creating these images for more than 20 years. You can see her art works on her web site “Neko-no-tenshi”.
●Dog World : Hachiko(忠犬ハチ公) $25USD + shipping
A few days ago we received a great idea from one of our backers. He suggested we add new symbols for dog lovers. He mentioned the Hachiko (Akita dog) story. Please check #5 update about detail.
So we decided to add three new symbols of Hachiko, Hachi & Boss and Dog Bone. Additionally we are to add this Hachiko (忠犬ハチ公) board as a new reward for Hachiko fans. And more we make new pledge set which is one fixed and one backer’s choice set. Because we want backers to enjoy more about making own.
Best Regards, LOGY GAMES creator Mitsuo Yamamoto. 1/22/2016
●Backer's Choice order $40USD + shipping
We are trying a new reward solution with this campaign. Select three symbols and one board design from the list and then create a game title. You design your very own one-of-a-kind game set!
"We reserve the right to reject or modify words or phrases we deem unsuitable (for example, obscenities). We reserve the right of final approval of the title. In such cases, we shall try to consult with you to reach an agreed wording. However, our decision will be final and not subject to dispute."
Backer's choice elements
We have not set a stretch goal because additional pledges will not reduce the hand-made production costs. We know some enthusiastic backers may want additional rewards so we can add additional board and symbol designs if the pledge amount exceeds our goal. We are open to your suggestions. Please leave your comment and request.
Additional new three symbols. 1/22/2016
Backer’s choice additional elements 10th January 2016
Thanks for many backings. Fortunately we could reach at basic goal in a day. We know many backers like custom made backer’s choice reward. So we are to add two new choice elements. One is symbol print color and another is cube’s color. Backers can choice their like colors when they order own set details. You can make more colorful one off set. LOGY GAMES creator Mitsuo Yamamoto
Full custom orders are also available.
Under consideration. Please inquire.
Thank you for your great support and pledges. Fortunately we reached our basic goal and are thrilled to bring e-SOLO-e to our backers.
We are adding a new e-SOLO-e edition as a stretch goal reward. It is a bigger edition of e-SOLO-e version. We have finished the prototype. The bigger cubes are easier for children, seniors and those with physical limitations. This version will also be good for demonstration games.
The reward price will be $40 + $8 shipping (anywhere in the world). The board is made of ceramic tile, size is 80 x 165mm. Wooded cubes are 25 x 25 x 25mm. You can select any four themes, Japanesque, Spiritual, Cat World and Dog World editions. Please check it out and pass it on to your friends.
Best Regards, LOGY GAMES creator Mitsuo Yamamoto. 26th/Jan/2016
Last stretch goal reward is a free gift for all backers.
Our campaign will finish in a week! With an eye on finishing the campaign with a bang we have designed a post board game “e-SOLO-e 3-in-a-row”. This will be a free gift to all backers (one card for one set) if we meet a stretch goal of $6000. There are two tic-tac-toe games on the card.
- One is "3andC" which is a tic-tac-toe game with no draw. Normally tic-tac-toe is played to a draw when skillful players play. Nine squares are numbered 1,2 and 3 and three of them are colored in blue. I invented this prototype in 2006 because I wanted to make the regular tic-tac-toe into an abstract strategy game. 3andC eliminates the draw by adding a calculation system. “e-SOLO-e 3andC” is designed as a post board game with e-SOLO-e Japanese symbols.
- The second game is Tic-Tac-Toe played with e-SOLO-e cubes. We are keeping the rule details a secret now. Only the backers who receive this reward will learn what makes this game special.
I am eager to bring these games to all who have supported out project, so please check it out and pass it on to your friends.
Best Regards, LOGY GAMES creator Mitsuo Yamamoto. 30th/Jan/2016
“e-SOLO-e Tic-Tac-Toe” Rules are secret now. Only the backers have will learn the rules. Please look forward to receiving this post board game. But I will give you a hint.
- To make 3 in-a-row win the game.
- You use e-SOLO-e cubes and game systems.
- You need to add new placement prohibition and symbol concept.
The game is very fun but terribly difficult to solve.
Hands-on process
All of our games are hand made. Ceramic tile paintings are fired at high temperature by kiln and all other components are hand made even though it often takes additional time and effort. We like to make games with a warm hand-made feel and we take great pride in the artisan quality of our games.
Risks and challenges
All games are craft articles made by hand. High demand could possibly delay our reward delivery schedule. This project introduces a new "Backers Choice" reward which potentially creates additional production complications. We decided to take on the challenge because we are excited about creating unique gamesets in direct collaboration with our backers.
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Funding period
- (30 days)