Shogun no Katana
- Players
- 1-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 3 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 180 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 14+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.8 / 5
- Year
- 2023
About the game
Shogun no Katana is a strategic worker-placement euro set in feudal Japan, where players craft masterwork katanas for powerful Daimyo and the Shogun himself. An innovative grid-based forge lets players activate entire rows or columns to work on multiple swords simultaneously, balancing efficiency against a crowded, hindered forge. Players gather resources, commission decorations, and place family members in the Shogun's palace for status and privileges. It's a long, strategic game rewarding careful engine-building and resource planning.
Hobbli's Notes
The row/column forge activation mechanic is a genuinely clever spin on production-style euros, forcing real tension between efficiency and grid congestion. It's a hefty, thinky game with a lot of moving parts, well suited to dedicated strategy groups. A strong choice for fans of intricate engine-building euros with a rich theme.
What we like
- Innovative row/column forge activation mechanic.
- Rich feudal Japan theme with detailed artwork.
- Strong solo mode included.
- Deep engine-building with meaningful long-term planning.
Keep in mind
- Long three-hour playtime.
- High complexity and rules overhead.
- Grid congestion mechanic takes practice to manage well.
Who it's for
Best for experienced strategy gamers aged 14 and up who enjoy heavy worker-placement euros, solo or in groups of up to four.
