Test of Honour: The Samurai Miniatures Game (2017) Board Game

Test of Honour: The Samurai Miniatures Game is a tabletop wargame that was released in in 2017. It is set in feudal Japan during the Sengoku period, where players take on the roles of samurai warriors leading their clans to victory. The game is designed by Ulisse Razzini and published by Warlord Games, known for their historical wargames.

Game Components of Test of Honour: The Samurai Miniatures Game

Miniatures: Samurai, Ashigaru, Ninja, Onna-Bugeisha, Sohei Monks, and other figures.

Tokens: Samurai, Peasant, and Fate counters for activation and events.

Cards: Quest cards, skill cards, and unit cards.

Terrain: Generic and era-specific terrain such as rivers, marshes, woods, and hills.

Custom Dice: Used for resolving combat and other tests.

How To Setup Test of Honour: The Samurai Miniatures Game

Players setup the game on a 3×3 foot table with terrain that can range from generic to era-specific. Each player selects their force, typically centered around a samurai hero, accompanied by loyal samurai companions and clan soldiers. The game bag is prepared with Samurai, Peasant, and Fate counters, each corresponding to different types of models and events.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Activation Mechanic: Players draw counters from a bag to activate troops or trigger events. Samurai and Peasant counters activate respective models, while Fate counters allow players to draw fate cards for additional skills or equipment.

Combat Resolution: Combat involves a Test of Aim, followed by a Test of Agility for the target to avoid, and if failed, a Test of Strength to determine damage.

Objectives: Games can involve various objectives such as defending a village, capturing a bridge, ambushing a trade caravan, or assassinating a local lord.

Campaign Play: The game is well-suited for linked games in a campaign, allowing characters to gain new skills and develop narratives.

Player Experience

**Test of Honour** is designed for players who enjoy a narrative-focused, cinematic experience reminiscent of samurai movies. The game is easy to pick up but offers significant tactical depth and decision-making each turn. The random activations keep the game unpredictable, making it less competitive but highly enjoyable. Players can create themed bands of fighters and engage in varied scenarios, making each game unique and story-driven.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible for new players.

Cinematic Experience: The game captures the feel of samurai movies with its combat mechanics and narrative focus.

Tactical Depth: Offers significant strategic choices despite its simplicity.

Customization: Players can create diverse forces and scenarios, enhancing replayability.

Cons

Lethality: The game can be very lethal, leading to large game swings and potentially unsatisfying outcomes if not managed well.

Thin Samurai Flavor: Some players feel the samurai theme is not deeply developed.

Packaging Issues: Initial release had issues with how the game was packaged and supported.

Personal Thoughts on Test of Honour: The Samurai Miniatures Game

**Test of Honour** is ideal for players who enjoy skirmish games with a strong narrative focus and a cinematic experience. It is particularly suited for those interested in the Sengoku era and samurai culture. While it may not be the best fit for competitive gamers seeking deep strategic gameplay, it excels in campaign play and storytelling, making it a great choice for those looking to immerse themselves in a samurai-themed adventure.

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