Samurai Vassal (2018) Board Game

Samurai Vassal is a bluffing and card game designed by ICE Makes and released in in 2018. The game is designed for 2-6 players, with the best player count being 2 or 4. It has a quick runtime of around 20 minutes, making it a great option for a short game night.

Game Components of Samurai Vassal

Deck of cards

Player tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup Samurai Vassal

Shuffle the deck of cards.

Each player receives a set number of cards.

Place player tokens in the designated area.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Samurai Vassal, players take on the role of samurai vassals trying to gain favor with the warlord by collecting sets of cards. Players must bluff and strategize to outwit their opponents and claim victory. The game involves action retrieval, hand management, prisoner’s dilemma, simultaneous action selection, and variable player powers. The objective is to collect the most points by the end of the game.

Player Experience

Pros:

Quick and easy to learn

Strategic depth with bluffing elements

Variable player powers add replayability

Cons:

Limited player count

Luck can play a significant role

Some may find the prisoner’s dilemma mechanic frustrating

Personal Thoughts on Samurai Vassal

Samurai Vassal offers an engaging experience for players looking for a quick and strategic game. The bluffing and prisoner’s dilemma mechanics add a layer of complexity that keeps the game interesting. However, the limited player count and reliance on luck may deter some players. Overall, if you enjoy bluffing games and are looking for a quick game to play with a small group, Samurai Vassal is worth considering. It may not be suitable for those who prefer games with a higher player count or less luck-based elements.

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