7 Ronin (2013) Board Game – Board Game Guys

7 Ronin is a strategic board game designed by Aleksander Karcz and published in in 2013. The game is set in feudal Japan, where players take on the roles of either the ronin or the ninja in a battle for control of a village.

Game Components of 7 Ronin

Game board featuring a village with 11 locations

7 ronin figures with corresponding character cards

40+ ninja figures

Location cards

Special ability cards for ronin and ninjas

Wooden pieces with matching stickers for ronin

Quality paper rules and a compact box.

How To Setup 7 Ronin

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle, which depicts the village divided into various areas. The defending player sets up their 7 ronin figures on designated starting locations, while the attacking player places their ninjas within reach but not on the board yet. Each player receives their respective character and ability cards. The game is ready to begin once both players understand their roles and the starting conditions.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Strategy, Asymmetrical, Area Control, Bluffing/Guessing

Game Mechanics: Secret Planning, Variable Player Powers, Area Control

Objective:
– Defending Player: Survive until winter (8 turns) or eliminate all ninjas.
– Attacking Player: Eliminate all 7 ronin or control 5 or more village areas by the end of any turn.

Player Experience

**7 Ronin** is a lightweight game that takes about 10 minutes to learn and 30 minutes to play. It is characterized by its simple yet strategic gameplay, where players must guess their opponent’s moves. The defending player deploys all their ronin each turn, while the attacking player has increasing numbers of deployable ninjas as the game progresses. Combat is deterministic, with ronin killing ninjas but suffering wounds in return. The game’s thematic components and artwork enhance the player experience, making it a delightful addition to any board game collection.

Pros

Quick to Learn and Play: Easy to teach and plays in under 30 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Asymmetrical gameplay with variable powers and bluffing mechanics.

High Replayability: Different strategies and outcomes in each play.

Thematic Components: Lovely art style and quality components that match the theme.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for two players only.

Fiddly Components: While the components are of good quality, they can be a bit fiddly for casual settings like the beach or a pub.

Personal Thoughts on 7 Ronin

**7 Ronin** is an excellent choice for those who enjoy quick, strategic games with a strong theme. It is ideal for fans of asymmetrical gameplay and bluffing mechanics, similar to games like *Schotten Totten* or *Mr. Jack*. The game’s ability to remain fresh after multiple plays due to its tactical variety makes it a great addition to any board game collection, particularly for those who appreciate a good two-player game.

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