Shogunate (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Shogunate is a card game released in 2016 that transports players to the feudal era of Japan. Designed by Adrienne Ezell, Jarek Nocoń, and Mariusz Szmerdt, this game challenges players to outwit their opponents and become the ultimate ruler of Japan.

Game Components of Shogunate

30 Action cards (6 per player)

5 Clan cards

5 Clan leaders

How To Setup Shogunate

To set up Shogunate, each player secretly receives a clan affiliation and five action cards. The game starts with players knowing their own clan but not the affiliations of others.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card Play: Players use action cards to influence the game state.

Social Deduction: Players must deduce the clan affiliations of other players.

Secret Affiliations: Each player has a hidden clan affiliation.

Game Objective

The goal is to manipulate the line of succession so that the leaders of your clans earn the most influence.

Players use their action cards to achieve this objective without revealing their clan affiliations.

Player Experience

Shogunate offers a quick and engaging experience, ideal for players who enjoy social deduction and strategic card play. The game requires careful planning and observation to uncover the hidden affiliations of other players, making it a great choice for those who like a mix of strategy and social interaction.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Games are typically short, lasting around 30 minutes.

High Replayability: The hidden affiliations and varied action cards ensure each game is different.

Social Interaction: Encourages players to interact and deduce each other’s roles.

Cons

Simple Mechanics: Some players might find the mechanics too straightforward.

Limited Component Variety: The game components are minimal, which could be a drawback for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Shogunate

Shogunate is perfect for fans of social deduction games and those who enjoy quick, strategic card games. It is an excellent addition to game nights for groups of 2-5 players who appreciate a blend of strategy, deduction, and social interaction. However, players seeking complex game mechanics or a longer, more immersive experience might find it less appealing.

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