Description
The year is 1336. Japan’s emperor has lost all authority and is little more than a figurehead. Across the country, powerful lords known as daimyo rise up to claim dominion over the land and its resources. Amid the upheaval, there is one constant: the samurai. As one of the daimyo, you know the true path to power lies with these elite, noble warriors. In Samurai, your goal is to draw samurai to your side and exert your control over the land. But this will not be easy. No single daimyo has ever managed to unify the samurai. Even now, samurai flock to rival lords who strive to consolidate their own power. To succeed where so many others have failed, you must do something innovative. Prove you have the wisdom to garner the esteem of the samurai and you will unite a nation.
SEIZE POWER, UNIFY A NATION
While the samurai are necessary to gain control of Japan, you must also consider other assets in your conquest. The Buddhist priests hold sway over nobles and commoners alike, contributing culture and legitimacy to any ruler holding their favor. Rice has been Japan’s staple food stock for centuries; whoever controls it rules the population. Finally, a lord cannot hope to gain samurai to their cause without strategic military installations. In each game of Samurai, you establish control over each of these assets through strategic tile placement. Each tile influences settlement spaces and captures the caste pieces on those spaces. Duel with your opponents to capture the most pieces of a particular caste and become the leader of that caste. Become the leader of the most castes by the end of the game and cement your claim over feudal Japan!
Players: 2 to 4
Playtime: 30 to 60 minutes
Ages: 10+
Contents: Rulebook, 1 Game Board, 80 Tiles, 4 Player Screens, 3 Leader Tokens, 13 Plastic Castle Pieces, 13 Plastic Buddha Pieces, 13 Plastic Rice Pieces