Irezumi (2012) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Irezumi is a board game released in 2012 by Planplay. It is a bluffing and deduction game that can be played by 2-4 players, with a recommended age of 8 and up. The game involves players competing to create the most valuable tattoos on their clients’ backs, while trying to bluff and outwit their opponents.

Game Components of Irezumi

Rulebook: A 48-page PDF containing all the necessary information, artwork, character sheets, and an introductory scenario.

Character Sheets: Well-designed sheets for tracking player characters’ progress.

Tattoo Elements: Major and minor tattoo elements for customizing characters.

Seasonal Phases: Game mechanics divided into four phases corresponding to the seasons (spring, summer, fall, winter).

Dice: d4s used for resolving actions and encounters.

Giri and Ninjou: Mechanics tracking loyalty and personal identity.

How To Setup Irezumi

To set up Irezumi, players begin by creating their characters and the organization they will be part of. This involves creative prep where the group builds the outfit their characters will belong to, which is facilitated by the book providing helpful context. Players then choose their starting tattoos and attributes, setting the stage for their journey through the four seasonal phases.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Resolution: Players roll d4s, with 1 as a botch, 4 as a crit, and 2s and 3s as complications. Giri can be spent to improve roll results.

Combat Mechanics: Simple combat system where players match numbers with their opponents to remove results.

Tattoo Customization: Adding to tattoos informs how players play their characters.

Seasonal Phases: Each phase corresponds to a different season, influencing the narrative and challenges.

Objective: Players aim to navigate the complexities of Yakuza life, balancing loyalty (giri) and personal identity (ninjou), while progressing through their careers.

Player Experience

Playing Irezumi is an immersive experience that combines personal turmoil, organizational politics, and the romanticized portrayal of Yakuza life. The game encourages quiet, reflective moments between seasons, allowing players to give gifts, get tattoos, or spend time in jail. The mechanic of adding to tattoos as the game progresses adds a layer of depth to character development.

Pros

Immersive Storytelling: The game offers a nuanced and well-researched portrayal of Yakuza culture.

Beautiful Artwork: The PDF includes gorgeous art, particularly the tattoos which are a central element of the game.

Emotionally Heavy: Suitable for emotionally charged one-shots and short campaigns.

Easy to Learn: Runs on the Caltrop Core engine, making it accessible for new players.

Cons

Mechanical Simplicity: Some elements, such as the seasonal phases, are not super different mechanically.

Complex Setup: Requires some creative prep before play, though guided by the book.

Potential for Tragedy: Careers often end in tragedy, which may not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Irezumi

Irezumi is ideal for players who enjoy crime dramas, noir themes, and the intricate world of Yakuza fiction. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate long, narrative-driven games with deep character development. If you’re a fan of games like “The Godfather” or “Ryu ga Gotoku,” Irezumi is definitely worth a look. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking fast-paced action or those who are not comfortable with the inevitability of tragic endings.

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