By all appearances and reputations Geisha are the epitome of culture,
refinement, social etiquette and charm.
They are delicate, gentle, subservient, unassuming and willing to please
in all areas.
But: appearances and reputations can be deceiving. That's what I discovered In AEG's
Mail-Star Card Game of Beauty and Guile by Seiji Kanai.
In Mai-Star players assume the role of gGeisha in the Emerald Empire. The 'floating world' of the Geisha House is resplendent
in art, music, conversation and all of the arts and social skills.
The prettier and more talented the Geisha are the more opportunities they have
for personal gain, prestige and power. Powered faces, coiffure hair, silk
attire and manners often hide hearts of greed, avarice and guile.
It's Geisha versus Geisha as each vie for the top tier of success. Deception, manipulation, deceit and sabotage
are common tools used as Geisha struggle to maintain their current positions
and rise to the top.
In Mai-Star players assume the roll of Geisha who serve 'guests' who reward
them with money but, only if they select the proper cards to raise their
reputation.
Geisha must choose which 'guest' to
use for finance or for advertisers for their skills. The player with the most money after three round earns the title
of Mai-Star.
Game play averages about 1/2 hour+ and requires players to move quickly,
tally points on Score Sheets and play Geisha and Customer cards (included in
the Starter Box.)
I never pictured myself as a Geisha but I did have a fun time playing the
game and after chatting with other local gamers it appears they did too. Now, where's a good tea room when you need
one?