San Guo Sha: Kingdom Wars is a card game that was released in 2012 by YOKA Games. The game is based on the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which is a historical novel set in the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history.
Game Components of San Guo Sha: Kingdom Wars
Health Cards: Each player receives 1 Health card, with values of either 3 or 4 health units.Character Cards: Players are dealt 7 Character cards (or 5 if there are more than 9 players) and must choose two characters with the same allegiance.Playing Cards: Each player receives 4 playing cards at the start of the game.Main and Supporting Characters: Each player has a Main Character and a Supporting Character, which are placed face down next to the Health card.
How To Setup San Guo Sha: Kingdom Wars
To set up the game, each player is dealt their Health card and 7 Character cards. Players must select two characters with the same allegiance and keep them secret. The chosen characters are placed face down next to the Health card, with one designated as the Main Character and the other as the Supporting Character. Each player then receives 4 playing cards, and the game begins.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Character Selection: Players choose two characters with the same allegiance, which determines their kingdom team (Shu, Wei, Wu, or Grey).Game Objective: The objective is for players of the same kingdom to eliminate other players, ensuring only their kingdom remains. No kingdom can have more than half the total number of players; excess players become Ambitionists.Rewards and Punishments: Killing a player from a different kingdom rewards the killer with drawing cards equal to the number of players from the victim’s kingdom. Killing a player from the same kingdom results in the killer discarding all their cards.Character Roles: The game does not use the traditional roles (Ruler, Loyalist, etc.) from San Guo Sha; instead, players are grouped by kingdom allegiance.
Player Experience
**San Guo Sha: Kingdom Wars** offers a dynamic and strategic experience, especially for fans of the Three Kingdoms series. Players must navigate the complexities of character abilities, kingdom allegiances, and the rewards and punishments system to emerge victorious. The game encourages strategic thinking and teamwork, as players need to coordinate with their kingdom members to outmaneuver opponents.
Pros
Strategic Depth: The game introduces a new layer of strategy with the dual-character system and kingdom allegiances.Dynamic Gameplay: The rewards and punishments mechanism adds a thrilling element, making each move critical.Teamwork: Encourages collaboration among players of the same kingdom.Variety: Different character abilities and health values add variety to each game session.
Cons
Complexity: New players may find the rules and mechanics overwhelming, especially without prior experience with San Guo Sha.Balance Issues: The Ambitionist rule can sometimes lead to imbalance, particularly in games with an odd number of players.Learning Curve: Requires a good understanding of the base game mechanics before diving into Kingdom Wars.
Personal Thoughts on San Guo Sha: Kingdom Wars
**San Guo Sha: Kingdom Wars** is ideal for experienced players of the San Guo Sha series or those familiar with complex card games. It offers a fresh twist on the traditional gameplay, making it more engaging and challenging. However, new players might need to start with the base game to fully appreciate the nuances of Kingdom Wars. This game is perfect for those who enjoy strategic team play and are looking for a game that combines historical themes with deep gameplay mechanics.
We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.
