Yokai Septet

Yokai Septet

Players
2-4
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
4 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
45 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
10+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
1.9 / 5
Year
2018

About the game

Yokai Septet is a trick-taking card game set in feudal Japan, where players compete as rival Onmyoji to capture supernatural Yokai creatures before their competitor does. Each round, players play cards following trick-taking rules, with the strongest matching card claiming all cards played that turn. In a 4-player game, teams of two battle for control, while 3-player games are played individually, and capturing enough Boss Yokai wins the round and earns points. The blend of folklore theming and team-based trick-taking gives it a distinct identity among card games.

Hobbli's Notes

Hobbli's editorial team enjoys how Yokai Septet spices up traditional trick-taking with an evocative Yokai folklore theme and team dynamics in the 4-player mode. The shift between competitive team play and solo competition depending on player count keeps the game feeling adaptable to different group sizes. It's a quick, colorful game that trick-taking fans looking for something with more theme than usual will appreciate. We think it's worth a look for groups who enjoy games like Tichu but want a lighter, more thematic package.

What we like

  • Team-based trick-taking adds a fresh twist to a classic mechanic.
  • Charming Yokai folklore theme with attractive artwork.
  • Quick 45-minute playtime suits repeated plays.
  • Scoring variants (basic/advanced) add replay flexibility.

Keep in mind

  • Trick-taking mechanics may feel unfamiliar to non-card-game fans.
  • Team dynamic only applies at 4 players, changing the experience at 3.
  • Limited information available on long-term competitive depth.

Who it's for

Good for card game fans aged 10+ who enjoy trick-taking and team-based competition in groups of 2-4.

Mechanics