Ninja Squad (2018) Board Game

Ninja Squad is a board game released in 2018, designed by Elmer Damaso, Ein Lee, and Alan H. Perry. The game is set in a world where ninjas compete in a high-speed race to collect treasures and outwit their opponents. With a mix of miniatures, racing elements, and cooperative gameplay, Ninja Squad offers a unique gaming experience for 2-4 players.

Game Components of Ninja Squad

Modular board

Ninja character cards

Guard and lantern tokens

Mission cards

Rooftop tiles

Player tokens and markers

How To Setup Ninja Squad

To set up Ninja Squad, players first prepare the cooperative phase by assembling the modular board, placing guard and lantern tokens, and distributing ninja character cards. Each player selects a ninja and places their token on the starting location. Mission cards are shuffled and drawn to determine the objectives. After the cooperative phase, the board is rearranged for the competitive phase.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

**Game Mechanics:**

Cooperative play: Players work together to sneak past guards and lanterns.

Competitive play: Players compete against each other after the cooperative phase.

Modular board: The board changes between the cooperative and competitive phases.

Variable player powers: Each ninja has unique abilities.

Area movement: Players move their ninjas through the board.

**Game Objective:**

In the cooperative phase, the objective is to sneak past guards and lanterns to reach the mission objectives.

In the competitive phase, the objective is to be the first player to complete their personal missions.

Player Experience

Ninja Squad offers a unique blend of teamwork and competition. The first half of the game is a cooperative challenge where players must strategize and coordinate to avoid detection. This phase fosters teamwork and communication among players. The second half shifts to a competitive mode, where each player’s individual skills and strategies come into play, adding a layer of excitement and rivalry.

Pros

Dual Gameplay: Combines cooperative and competitive elements, offering a diverse gaming experience.

Modular Board: Provides high replayability due to the changing board setup.

Unique Abilities: Each ninja character has distinct powers, adding variety to gameplay.

Strategic Depth: Requires planning and strategy in both cooperative and competitive phases.

Cons

Lengthy Setup: The game has a somewhat complex setup process, especially when transitioning between phases.

Learning Curve: The dual-phase nature can be confusing for new players.

Component Quality: Some players may find the component quality to be average.

Personal Thoughts on Ninja Squad

Ninja Squad is ideal for players who enjoy games with multiple phases and a mix of cooperative and competitive gameplay. It is suited for groups looking for a game that challenges their teamwork and individual strategy skills. The game’s unique mechanics and modular board make it appealing to players seeking a game with high replayability. However, it may not be the best fit for those looking for a quick, simple setup or a purely cooperative or competitive experience.

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