Step into a bustling Meiji-era port in this reimagined pickup-and-deliver classic. Synapses Games delivers a faithful reprint of Yokohama that honours its roots while making it more accessible to new audiences.
A Bittersweet Return
For those of us who played the original Yokohama from Tasty Minstrel Games (TMG), the nostalgia is bittersweet. TMG’s closure left a significant void in the hobby, and their departure marked the end of an era for beautifully crafted, under-appreciated games. Thankfully, Synapses Games has stepped in to bring this gem back to life, preserving the core gameplay that made the original so memorable while refining the presentation for modern audiences.
Having spent countless hours with the original edition, I approached this reprint with cautious optimism. Would it capture the same magic, or would it feel like a shadow of its former self? After several plays, I’m relieved to say this version is not just faithful—it’s excellent. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Yokohama or a newcomer curious about its reputation, this reprint is a fantastic way to experience the game.
Revisiting the Meiji Era
Set during Japan’s Meiji era, Yokohama casts players as merchants navigating the boom of foreign trade. The goal remains the same: outmaneuver your rivals by fulfilling orders, acquiring technology, and optimizing resource collection.
For returning players, the gameplay will feel familiar in the best way. The mechanics of deploying assistants, moving your President, and activating areas with varying power levels are just as tight and satisfying as ever. The strategic depth that made the original a standout remains intact, offering players countless paths to success.
The rules are deceptively simple: place assistants, move your President, and activate an area. Yet beneath this simplicity lies a wealth of strategic options, from building Shops and Trading Houses to unlocking powerful technologies and maximizing endgame scoring opportunities.
Faithful Improvements
One of the most noticeable differences between the original and the reprint is the updated graphic design. While the original had its charm, its cluttered look often deterred new players. The new edition streamlines the visuals, making the board and components more inviting without sacrificing the intricate gameplay.
The mechanical core remains unchanged. Players still race to establish dominance in various locations, balancing short-term gains with long-term strategy. Building Shops and Trading Houses not only provides immediate rewards but also enhances future turns by boosting your influence in those areas.
Technology cards, another hallmark of the original, continue to shine. From simplifying movement to unlocking unique bonuses, these cards offer exciting ways to customize your strategy. The set collection aspect of orders and tech cards also returns, encouraging players to diversify their approach while vying for valuable foreign agents.
A New Era, Same Depth
The beauty of Yokohama lies in its interconnected systems. Every decision feels meaningful, with one action often cascading into multiple benefits. While the game offers numerous ways to score points, they’re thoughtfully linked, ensuring that every pursuit contributes to the overall experience.
This reprint retains the freedom that made the original such a standout in the pickup-and-deliver genre. Whether you focus on fulfilling orders, building a network of Shops and Trading Houses, or dominating the Church and Customs boards, every strategy feels viable and rewarding.
The result is a game that’s endlessly replayable, offering new discoveries with each session. For those familiar with the original, this reprint feels like coming home. For newcomers, it’s a chance to dive into a modern classic with all the kinks worked out.
Smoother Sailing, Minor Squalls
While the reprint makes several improvements, some challenges remain. Analysis paralysis can still creep in, especially with more deliberate players. The randomized setup adds variability, but its impact feels more subtle than transformative. And while the updated visuals improve accessibility, the theme still takes a backseat to the mechanics—it’s immersive enough, but the game could be set in any trade-centric city without much loss.
That said, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise stellar package.
A Worthy Successor
The return of Yokohama is a reminder of what made TMG’s catalog so beloved: innovative games that rewarded deep, thoughtful play. While it’s sad to see TMG gone, Synapses Games has done an admirable job of carrying the torch. This reprint doesn’t just preserve Yokohama—it elevates it, making it a strong contender for any gamer’s collection.
For those who cherished the original, this edition is a satisfying revival. And for anyone looking to experience Yokohama for the first time, this reprint is the perfect opportunity. It’s a game that bridges the gap between gateway titles and more complex strategy games, offering something for players at every stage of their board game journey.
Faithful, polished, and just as engaging as ever, Yokohama proves that some classics are worth revisiting—and reprinting.