Joraku

Joraku

Card Game
Players
3-4
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
4 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
60 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
12+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
2.2 / 5
Year
2015

About the game

Joraku takes its name from the historic march of Japanese warlords toward Kyoto during the Sengoku period. It's a trick-taking area-control hybrid in which players command samurai armies, playing skirmish cards to win tricks and control territory across a map of Japan. Winning a skirmish lets you rank influence in the corresponding area to earn Reputation Points, with samurai cubes remaining on the map between the game's three rounds. The player with the highest Reputation Points after three rounds is crowned ruler of Japan.

Hobbli's Notes

An intriguing hybrid of trick-taking and area control that rewards players who can plan across multiple rounds rather than just winning individual tricks. A niche pick, but a rewarding one for fans of both genres.

What we like

  • Unusual blend of trick-taking and area control creates fresh strategic tension.
  • Persistent samurai cubes on the map reward long-term planning across rounds.
  • Strong Sengoku-era Japanese theme and presentation.
  • One-hour playtime keeps sessions tight.

Keep in mind

  • Niche mechanical combination may take a few plays to fully click.
  • Limited to 3-4 players restricts group size.
  • Less widely known, so it can be hard to find opponents familiar with it.

Who it's for

Fans of trick-taking and area-control hybrids, 3 to 4 players, medium complexity.

Mechanics

Area Majority / InfluenceMovementHand ManagementTrick-taking

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