Rising Sun
- Players
- 3-5
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 120 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 14+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.3 / 5
- Year
- 2018
About the game
Rising Sun transports 3-5 players to legendary feudal Japan, where returned Kami spirits demand the Empire be reclaimed by force of arms and cunning diplomacy. Each player leads a Clan with a unique ability, racing to accumulate honor and victory points across four seasons of alliance-building, political maneuvering, and open warfare. Players forge and break alliances during the Tea Ceremony, select political mandates, and battle for control of provinces, with Honor settling every tie. Gorgeous miniatures and a rich, ever-shifting web of negotiation make every game of Rising Sun feel like its own dramatic saga.
Hobbli's Notes
Rising Sun is Eric Lang at his best: a beautiful, dramatic area-control game where the negotiation and betrayal matter as much as the battles. The seasonal structure keeps the political tension escalating, and the production values are stunning even by CMON's high standards. It's a fantastic pick for groups who enjoy Blood Rage or Kemet but want even more diplomacy and backstabbing built into the core loop.
What we like
- Stunning miniatures and production quality elevate every session.
- Rich diplomacy and shifting alliances create memorable table drama.
- The Honor mechanic elegantly ties combat, tiebreaks, and reputation together.
- High player interaction keeps everyone engaged throughout.
Keep in mind
- Alliances can create kingmaking situations near the end.
- Playtime and rules overhead are substantial for casual groups.
- Players uncomfortable with direct confrontation may find it stressful.
- Early losses in a season can be hard to recover from.
Who it's for
Ideal for groups of 3-5 experienced gamers ages 14+ who enjoy negotiation-heavy area control and don't mind alliances shifting mid-game.
