Kamisado (2008) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Kamisado is an abstract strategy board game that was designed by Peter Burley and released in in 2008. The game is for two players and has a playing time of around 20 minutes. The game has gained popularity among fans of abstract strategy games due to its unique gameplay mechanics.

Game Components of Kamisado

8×8 multicolored board

16 octagonal dragon tower pieces (8 per player, each with a different color)

Sumo rings for scoring and special powers

Numbered tiles for alternate setups

How To Setup Kamisado

To set up Kamisado, place the board in the middle of the playing area. Each player arranges their eight dragon towers on the row nearest to them. The player with the black dragons moves first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement: Players move one tower any number of spaces in a straight line or diagonally forwards, without moving into or through a square already containing another tower.

Color Link: Each player must move the dragon tower that matches the color of the square where the opponent’s last move finished.

Objective: The goal is to move one of your dragon towers to your opponent’s Home Row.

Sumo Towers: Winning a round earns a Sumo ring, which gives the tower the ability to push an opponent’s tower back one space.

Match Formats: Games can be played as single rounds or in match formats (Standard, Long, or Marathon), with points awarded for winning rounds.

Player Experience

Kamisado is a game of strategic depth with a simple yet engaging mechanism. Players must think ahead, considering the potential moves their opponent will be forced to make. The game is described as “easy to learn, hard to master,” with each game being fast-paced and fun. The emotional high comes from the realization that every loss is a direct consequence of one’s own moves, making the game feel more like a consensual dance than a battle.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules that can be explained quickly.

Deep Strategy: Offers considerable depth for strategic thinking and planning ahead.

Fast Games: Each game is relatively short, lasting about 15 minutes.

High Replayability: Alternate setups and the evolving complexity of Sumo towers keep the game fresh.

Accessible: Works well for players with fine-grained motor control issues and is color-blind friendly.

Cons

Cognitive Demand: Requires significant mental effort to track all possible moves and their consequences.

Emotional Impact: Losses can feel like intellectual failures due to the game’s nature of forcing players into mistakes.

Limited Novelty: Unlike some other abstract games, Kamisado does not offer a constantly changing move-set.

Personal Thoughts on Kamisado

Kamisado is perfect for anyone who enjoys abstract strategy games with a mix of simplicity and depth. It’s an excellent gift for both newcomers to board games and seasoned players, as it offers a low barrier to entry while rewarding deep strategic thinking. The game’s unique mechanics and the tactile experience of the pieces make it a standout in the world of abstract games. However, it may not be ideal for players who prefer games with less cognitive demand or those who are easily frustrated by mistakes that feel intellectually taxing.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.