Onitama (2014) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Onitama’ is a two-player abstract strategy board game that was released in in 2014. It was designed by Shimpei Sato and features artwork by Jun Kondo and Mariusz Szmerdt. The game is published by conception and falls under the category of Abstract Strategy games. With a runtime of 15-20 minutes and suitable for players aged 10 and above, Onitama offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of Onitama

A 5×5 grid board

Five pieces for each player: one master piece and four student pieces

A deck of 16 movement cards

A high-quality neoprene mat and a magnetic box for storage.

How To Setup Onitama

To set up Onitama, unfold the neoprene mat to create the 5×5 grid board. Place the master piece in the middle square of the back row (the Temple Arch) for each player, and position the four student pieces flanking the master. Randomly select five movement cards from the deck of 16 and deal two cards face-up to each player. The fifth card is placed to the side of the board. This setup ensures each game is unique due to the random selection of movement cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Abstract Strategy

Mechanics: Grid Movement, Hand Management, Pattern Movement, Static Capture

Objective: Win the game by either capturing the opponent’s master piece (Way of the Stone) or moving your master piece to the opponent’s Temple Arch (Way of the Stream)

Turn Structure: Choose one of your two movement cards to move a piece, then swap the used card with the card to the side, which will be available to your opponent on their next turn.

Player Experience

Onitama offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience with a simple yet deep ruleset. Each game is unique due to the random movement cards, requiring players to adapt and strategize based on the available moves. The game is known for its quick playtime, typically lasting around 15-20 minutes, allowing for multiple games in a row. The cyclic movement of cards keeps the game fresh and challenging, making it appealing for both novices and experienced players.

Pros

Simple to Learn: Easy-to-comprehend rules make it accessible to new players.

High Replayability: Random movement cards ensure each game is different.

Quick Games: Games are typically short, lasting 15-20 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Despite simple rules, the game offers significant strategic depth.

Elegant Design: The game comes in a beautifully designed magnetic box and includes a high-quality neoprene mat.

Cons

Limited Card Variability: Some players may find the variations in movement cards not diverse enough.

Optimization Focus: The game can sometimes boil down to optimizing spatial awareness, which might not appeal to all players.

Expansion Complexity: Some expansions, like the Wind Spirit and Ninja, can add unnecessary complexity and slow down the game.

Personal Thoughts on Onitama

Onitama is a must-have for fans of abstract strategy games. It is ideal for those who enjoy games like Chess or Hive but are looking for something with a unique twist. The game’s ability to balance simplicity with deep strategy makes it appealing to both casual and serious gamers. It is particularly great for players who value quick, engaging games that offer a high level of replayability. However, players seeking games with a wide range of diverse moves or those who prefer games with more complex rules might find Onitama slightly limiting.

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