Shogun
- Players
- 3-5
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 5 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 120 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.4 / 5
- Year
- 2006
About the game
Shogun casts players as rival Daimyo during Japan's Sengoku period, each vying to conquer provinces across the map through a shared set of ten possible actions. Every round, players secretly commit to actions and locations, and when battles erupt, the game's signature Cube Tower randomly resolves combat by dropping cubes representing each side's troops. Controlling provinces, temples, theaters, and castles all contribute to victory points, with the highest total at the end crowning the Shogun. Its language-independent components and streamlined re-implementation of Wallenstein make it an accessible entry into area-control gaming.
Hobbli's Notes
The Cube Tower is a genuinely memorable mechanism: messy, tactile, and unpredictable in a way that keeps combat tense without heavy calculation. A solid pick for groups who enjoy area control with a dash of chaos.
What we like
- Unique Cube Tower mechanism makes combat tactile and unpredictable.
- Simultaneous action selection keeps all players engaged.
- Multiple scoring paths through provinces, temples, and castles.
- Accessible, language-independent components.
Keep in mind
- Cube Tower randomness can feel harsh to highly tactical players.
- Long playtime with a moderate learning curve.
- Simultaneous selection can lead to conflicting plans and lost turns.
Who it's for
Good for strategy gamers aged 12+ who enjoy area-control and conflict games; best with 3-5 players for a full, competitive session.
