Bushido (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Bushido is a two-player board game that was released in in 2018. It is set in a fantasy world where players take on the roles of powerful warriors battling it out in epic combat. The game was designed by Vicente Sivera Catalá, Tyler Myatt, and Malcolm Wope, and features artwork by Grey Fox Games.

Game Components of Bushido

Technique Cards: Representing different Elemental Schools of fighting styles, these cards are drafted by players at the start of the game.

Weapons: Each weapon offers unique advantages depending on the guard in which it is held and has token limits for Armor or Torii tokens.

Guard Stances: High, Mid, and Low Guards, each with unique die roll bonuses and weapon-specific abilities.

Dice: Used for resolving combat results, including hits, evasions, Armor tokens, Torii tokens, and misses.

Tokens: Armor tokens for blocking hits, Torii tokens for re-rolls, and Rage tokens for extra Attack dice.

Health and Stamina Trackers: To monitor the health and stamina of each player.

How To Setup Bushido

To set up Bushido, players begin by drafting their Technique cards. The player who drafts second will be the first to attack. Each player draws five Technique cards, which reflect different Elemental Schools of fighting styles. Players then select their weapons, each offering unique advantages based on the guard stance chosen. The game starts with the player who drafted Technique cards second, and players take turns playing Technique cards, rolling dice, resolving the results, and passing play to the opponent.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players draft Technique cards to form their hand.

Weapon Selection: Players choose a weapon with unique advantages based on guard stances.

Guard Stances: Players change between High, Mid, and Low Guards to gain different bonuses and abilities.

Dice Rolling: Players roll dice to resolve hits, evasions, and token gains.

Token Management: Players use Armor tokens to block hits, Torii tokens to reroll dice, and Rage tokens to gain extra Attack dice.

Objective: The game ends when one player’s health is depleted; the last player standing wins.

Player Experience

Bushido offers a fast-paced and intense dueling experience where players must quickly adapt and strategize. The game teaches the way of the warrior through unforgiving hits and quick combat encounters. Players must learn to control the momentum of the fight by changing guards, playing Technique cards, and managing tokens. The game’s dynamic nature, with alternating turns and the potential for devastating attacks, keeps players on their toes.

Pros

Fast-paced Gameplay: Quick and intense combat encounters.

High Strategy: Requires players to think on their feet and adapt strategies.

Asymmetric Play: Despite symmetric beginnings, the game offers asymmetric gameplay through Technique card drafting.

Token Management: Engaging token system adds depth to the game.

Simple yet Engaging Rules: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Cons

Luck Element: Dice rolls introduce an element of luck that can significantly impact the game.

Limited Player Count: Designed exclusively for two players.

Steep Learning Curve for Advanced Tactics: While basic rules are simple, mastering advanced strategies can take time.

Personal Thoughts on Bushido

Bushido is for fans of martial arts and fast-paced dueling games. It is ideal for players who enjoy strategic gameplay with a mix of luck and skill. The game’s focus on individual technique and adaptability makes it appealing to those who like to think tactically and react quickly. If you’re looking for a game that simulates the intensity and strategy of a martial arts duel, Bushido is an excellent choice. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a game with a large player count or a more relaxed pace.

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