Ikusa (1986) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Ikusa, also known as Samurai Swords, is a board game that was first released in in 1986. It is a territory-building war game set in feudal Japan, where players take on the roles of daimyo (feudal lords) vying for control of the land. The game has been designed by Michael Gray and published by Milton Bradley, featuring artwork by Steve Argyle.

Game Components of Ikusa

Players: 2-5

Units: Samurai swordsmen, samurai bowmen, ashigaru spearmen, ashigaru gunners, flag bearers, ronin (mercenaries), and a ninja

Dice: Six twelve-sided dice

Income: Koku, derived from controlled territories

Turn Order: Determined by bidding with koku, using swords or turn markers

Player Boards: Styrofoam trays shaped to resemble Japanese fortresses

Miniatures: Decently-sculpted miniatures representing various units.

How To Setup Ikusa

To set up Ikusa, players start by randomly distributing provinces among themselves. Each player begins with the same number of provinces and an equal distribution of troops: 36 ashigaru spearmen, 9 ashigaru gunners, 9 samurai swordsmen, 9 samurai bowmen, and 6 flag bearers. Players then place their troops two at a time on these provinces. Each player controls three daimyos (generals) who command their armies. The game components, including the miniatures and player boards, are organized and ready for the first round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Bidding Phase: Players assign koku to five different options: turn order, building, levying units, hiring ronin, and hiring the ninja.

Turn Order: Determined by koku bidding, with the highest bidder choosing their turn order.

Combat: Uses d12 dice, with a sequence of unit types (bowmen, gunners, remove casualties, daimyos, swordsmen and ronin, spearmen).

Ninja: Can be hired to spy or attempt assassinations on opponents’ daimyos.

Objective

The objective is to control 35 provinces, thus winning the title of Shogun and ruling over a pacified Japan.

Player Experience

Ikusa offers a deep and strategic gameplay experience, balancing resource management, unit placement, and combat tactics. Players must navigate the complexities of feudal Japanese warfare, managing their koku to optimize their actions each round. The game’s mechanics, such as the bidding system and the use of a ninja, add layers of strategy and unpredictability. The thematic elements, including the styrofoam fortress trays and the swords for determining turn order, enhance the immersive experience.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Combines area control, resource management, and combat tactics.

High Replayability: Random province distribution and variable player actions ensure different outcomes each game.

Immersive Theme: Set in feudal Japan, with detailed miniatures and thematic components.

Elegant Mechanics: Simple to learn but complex to master, making it appealing to both new and experienced players.

Cons

Lack of Modern Features: No variable player powers, environmental effects, or story elements.

Lengthy Gameplay: Games can last between 240 to 360 minutes.

Component Quality: Later versions have softer plastic pieces that can become warped.

Personal Thoughts on Ikusa

Ikusa is a classic gem for those who enjoy strategic wargames. It is perfect for players who appreciate the balance between risk and strategy, similar to games like Risk and Axis & Allies, but with more randomized elements. While it may lack some of the modern features and chrome that contemporary games offer, its elegant mechanics and immersive theme make it a lasting treasure in the world of board games. It is particularly suited for fans of historical and strategic games who are looking for a challenging and engaging experience.

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