A Rising Sun board game box featuring artistic depictions of Japanese samurai and mythical figures on a beige background with red and white accents. The game's logo is prominently displayed.
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Rising Sun (2018)

ByMichail

Rising Sun

Rising Sun is a board game for 3 to 5 players designed by Eric M. Lang and published by CMON Limited in 2017. The game is set in feudal Japan where the ancient gods (Kami) have returned to rebuild the empire. Each player chooses a Clan and competes to lead theirs to victory by accumulating the most victory points. The game was originally released via Kickstarter, raising over $4,200,000.

Why is Rising Sun Popular?

Rising Sun received positive reviews and was awarded the 2018 RPC Fantasy Award Tabletop & Miniatures Game Winner. It is a game about strategy, negotiation, and warfare, with a unique theme and stunning artwork by Adrian Smith. The game’s popularity can be attributed to its engaging Gameplay Mechanics of Rising Sun, beautiful components, and the fact that it is designed by Eric M. Lang, a well-known game designer.

Game Components of Rising Sun

  • Miniatures: 58 highly detailed miniatures, including 30 Bushi figures, 15 Shinto figures, 5 Daimyo, and 8 monster figures.
  • Seasonal Cards: Different cards for each season, influencing gameplay and strategies.
  • Tokens: Various tokens for coins, honor, and other game elements.
  • Provincial Boards: Representing the different provinces of Japan.
  • Kami Shrines: Linked to Japanese gods, providing unique benefits.
  • Political Mandates: Cards that allow players to take specific actions or form alliances.

    How To Setup Rising Sun

    To set up Rising Sun, players first arrange the provincial boards to form the map of Japan. Each player chooses a clan, each with unique abilities and starting conditions. The Seasonal Setup phase begins with the Spring season, where players receive their starting resources and Seasonal cards. The Tea Ceremony phase follows, where players negotiate alliances for the season. The game components, including miniatures, tokens, and cards, are then distributed accordingly.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Seasonal Phases: Each season (Spring, Summer, Autumn) is divided into five phases: Seasonal Setup, Tea Ceremony, Political Phase, War Phase, and Seasonal Cleanup.
  • Political Mandates: Players select mandates to prepare their clans and position forces.
  • Alliances and Betrayal: Players form and break alliances; betrayal is a key strategy.
  • Combat: Innovative battle system requiring bluffing and strategic thinking.
  • Kami Worship: Players gain benefits from worshiping the Kami at shrines.
  • Objective: Accumulate Victory Points by winning battles, harvesting provinces, and playing to clan virtues. The player with the most Victory Points at the end of the Winter season wins.

    Player Experience

    Rising Sun offers a deeply immersive experience, transporting players to a fantastical version of feudal Japan. The game is renowned for its intricate miniatures and artwork by Adrian Smith. Players must navigate complex diplomatic and strategic landscapes, forming alliances and betraying others to achieve victory. The game’s unique battle system and the importance of honor add layers of depth, making it a challenging yet rewarding experience.

    Pros

  • Innovative Battle System: Forces players to bluff and outthink each other.
  • Highly Detailed Miniatures: Some of the most intricate miniatures in board gaming.
  • Deep Strategy: Combines diplomacy, negotiation, and warfare.
  • High Replayability: Multiple strategies and unique clan abilities ensure varied gameplay.

    Cons

  • Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players due to the numerous mechanics and strategies.
  • Time Commitment: Games last 90-120 minutes.
  • Player Interaction: Requires players who can handle betrayal and backstabbing, which may not suit all groups.

    Personal Thoughts on Rising Sun

    Rising Sun is ideal for experienced board game enthusiasts who enjoy complex strategy, diplomacy, and a touch of betrayal. It is perfect for those who appreciate detailed miniatures and immersive game worlds. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those who prefer simpler, less time-consuming games. If you’re ready to dive into a game that demands strategic thinking and social maneuvering, Rising Sun is an absolute beast of a game that will keep you engaged and challenged.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl