Rising Sun (2018) Board Game

Rising Sun is a board game designed by Eric M. Lang and published by CMON Global Limited in in 2018. The game is set in feudal Japan and draws inspiration from Japanese mythology and folklore. Players take on the roles of different clans vying for control and influence over the land.

Game Components of Rising Sun

1 Main Board

7 God Tiles

30 Coins

5 Clan Screens

10 Colored Clan Tokens

5 Clan Alliance Tokens

30 Bushi Figures

15 Shinto Figures

5 Daimyo

8 Monster Figures

20 Strongholds Tokens

10 Ship Tokens

9 Political Mandate Cards

24 War Tokens

8 Numbered War Tokens

5 Two-Sided Reference Tiles

1 Rulebook.

How To Setup Rising Sun

To set up Rising Sun, players begin by preparing the map with War Province tokens and their corresponding War Number tokens. Each player selects a clan and places their initial units on the board. The game’s cards, including Political Mandates and Season cards, are shuffled and placed face up next to the board. Players draw their seasonal income and return any hostages they might hold, which grants additional income. The first clan to pick a mandate is determined by the highest honor, and this order changes each season based on the previous turn’s mandate selection.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Seasonal Phases: Each game is divided into three seasons, each with five phases: Seasonal Setup, Political, Marshal, Harvest, and War.

Political Mandates: Players take turns selecting mandates that allow actions such as recruiting, moving, training, harvesting, or betraying.

Kami Worship: Players can worship the Kami to gain benefits such as additional coins or victory points.

Combat: Innovative battle system where players can bluff their intentions and use various tactics like Seppuku, Hostage, Rōnin, and Imperial Poets.

Alliances: Forming and breaking alliances is crucial for gaining an advantage.

Game Objective

The objective is to earn the most victory points after three seasons by controlling provinces, forming beneficial alliances, and making strategic decisions during the various phases.

Player Experience

Rising Sun offers a complex yet engaging experience, combining deep strategy with social interaction. Players must navigate the delicate balance between diplomacy and warfare, making each game highly dynamic. The game’s intricate miniatures and artwork by Adrian Smith enhance the immersive experience of feudal Japan. The innovative battle system and multiple paths to victory ensure that each game is unique and challenging.

Pros

Highly Detailed Miniatures: The miniatures are some of the most intricate and highly detailed ever produced.

Deep Strategy: Multiple layers of strategy involving politics, alliances, and combat.

Immersive Artwork: Artwork by Adrian Smith transports players to a fantastical version of feudal Japan.

Innovative Battle System: Forces players to bluff and outthink their competition.

High Replayability: Different strategies and alliances ensure varied gameplay experiences.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game can be complex and take time to learn.

Player Interaction: Can be intense with backstabbing and betrayals, which may not be suitable for all players.

Long Gameplay: Games can last between 90-120 minutes, which may be too long for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Rising Sun

Rising Sun is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with deep social interaction. It is perfect for those who appreciate intricate miniatures, complex gameplay mechanics, and the theme of feudal Japan. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a quick or straightforward game, as it requires a significant investment of time and attention to detail. If you enjoy games like Blood Rage and are looking for a new challenge, Rising Sun is definitely worth considering. Be cautious, though, as the game’s emphasis on betrayal and alliances can lead to intense player interactions that may not be suitable for all groups.

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