Shitenno (2011) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Shitenno is a territory-building board game released in 2011, designed by Vincent Dutrait and featuring artwork by Ludonaute. The game is designed for 2-4 players aged 12 and up, with a playing time of around 60 minutes.

Game Components of Shitenno

1 game board

62 cards (including Koku cards, Troop cards, and role cards)

84 various tiles (including bonus tiles and control markers)

Game rules.

How To Setup Shitenno

To set up Shitenno, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a set of control markers and places them within reach. The Koku cards, Troop cards, and role cards are shuffled and distributed accordingly. The bonus tiles are placed on the board, three per province. Each player receives a starting hand of cards and a role card that determines their initial rank and special ability.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Area Majority / Influence: Players compete to control provinces.

I Cut, You Choose: Players create card lots and offer them to other players in a specific order.

Set Collection: Players collect and use different types of cards to achieve their goals.

Game Objective

Players aim to control as many provinces as possible by using Troop cards or Koku cards.

Each province can be controlled up to four times, with successive controls yielding more victory points.

Players earn bonus points from bonus tiles and role abilities.

The game ends when a player runs out of control markers or the Koku deck is depleted. The player with the most points, including majority bonuses and remaining Koku, is declared the winner.

Player Experience

In Shitenno, players engage in a game of strategic planning and manipulation rather than direct combat. The unique card distribution phase, where the highest-ranked player offers card sets to other players, adds a layer of tension and strategic depth. Players must balance their need for resources with the need to act quickly, as hoarding resources can lead to missed opportunities. The game requires a mix of short-term tactical decisions and long-term strategic planning, making it engaging for fans of Euro-style games.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game offers a rich strategic experience with its unique card distribution mechanics.

Variable Player Powers: Role cards provide different special abilities, adding variability to each game.

Interactive Resource Management: Players must navigate the “I Cut, You Choose” mechanism to allocate resources effectively.

Thematic Setting: The game is set in feudal Japan, adding a historical and thematic layer to the gameplay.

Cons

Analysis Paralysis: The game can suffer from prolonged decision-making due to the complexity of card distribution and resource management.

Limited Direct Interaction: Player interaction is indirect, which might not appeal to players seeking more direct conflict.

Thematic Dryness: Some players might find the game’s theme and mechanics somewhat dry compared to more immersive experiences.

Personal Thoughts on Shitenno

Shitenno is ideal for fans of Euro-style games who enjoy strategic planning, resource management, and indirect player interaction. It is a great fit for players looking for a game that requires careful consideration and tactical decisions, but may not be the best choice for those seeking high levels of direct conflict or a heavily thematic experience. The game’s unique mechanics and historical setting make it an interesting addition to any board game collection, especially for those intrigued by the feudal era of Japan.

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