Ninja Taisen (2014) Board Game

Ninja Taisen is a two-player board game released in 2014 by IELLO. Designed by Katsumasa Tomioka, the game combines dice rolling, rock-paper-scissors, and roll/spin and move mechanics to create a strategic and fast-paced experience set in a ninja-themed world. With beautiful artwork by Florent Maudoux and Shigeto Murata, Ninja Taisen offers players the chance to engage in intense battles while testing their tactical skills.

Game Components of Ninja Taisen

Game board

10 custom dice

12 ninja pawns

2 ninja masters

2 shuriken tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup Ninja Taisen

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Each player selects a color and takes the corresponding ninja pawns and master.

Shuffle the dice and place them within reach of both players.

Place the shuriken tokens on the designated spaces on the board.

Follow the setup instructions for the specific game mode being played.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Ninja Taisen, players take turns rolling dice to move their ninjas across the board, engaging in battles with their opponent’s ninjas. The objective is to capture your opponent’s master or reach their side of the board with your own master. Each ninja has unique abilities based on the results of the dice rolls, adding an element of strategy to the game.

Player Experience

Pros:

Quick gameplay, perfect for short gaming sessions

Strategic depth with the combination of dice rolling and rock-paper-scissors mechanics

Beautiful artwork and visually appealing components

Cons:

Limited replay value due to the lack of variability in gameplay

Some players may find the reliance on luck through dice rolling frustrating

Rules can be a bit complex for younger players

Personal Thoughts on Ninja Taisen

Ninja Taisen offers a unique blend of mechanics that make for an engaging gameplay experience. The beautiful artwork and thematic elements add to the overall enjoyment of the game. However, the limited replay value and reliance on luck may deter some players looking for more strategic depth. At a reasonable price point, Ninja Taisen is worth considering for fans of quick, tactical two-player games. It is recommended for those who enjoy a mix of luck and strategy in their gameplay. However, those who prefer more variability and complexity may want to explore other options in the board game market.

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