Daimyo: Rebirth of the Empire

La Boîte de Jeu, Across the Board, CafeMoka Studio · Board game · 2021
1–4 · best 4 Solo 60–90 min Weight 3.2/5
7.8 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
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7.8 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those who love area control games with a touch of controlled luck and an exotic theme. Its strength lies in the diverse paths to victory.

Highlights
  • Multiple scoring avenues
  • Original and intriguing theme
  • Engaging resource management
  • Strong component presence
Keep in mind
  • Moderate learning curve
  • Requires external translation
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
Imagine a world where humanity is but an echo of the past, attempting to rebuild upon the ruins of forgotten civilizations. Welcome to the Archipelago of the 6, where you step into the shoes of a Daimyo, the leader of a clan following a rather peculiar and 'absurd' reinterpretation of the Bushido code. Your goal is clear: become the new Emperor. However, brute force isn't enough; you need Popularity, and that's where the real struggle begins.

The game unfolds over five intense rounds. To climb the popularity scale, you'll need strategy and careful management. You will deploy your Governors to influence local populations, but beware: the path is treacherous, and deadly 'Shadows' may assassinate your emissaries if you aren't vigilant. Meanwhile, your Scavengers scour the ruins for glorious Relics that bring both prestige and power.

Victory is built on four main pillars. First, constant influence over the islands generates points at the end of each round. Second, the restoration of ancient Relics grants precious points at the end of the game. Third, constructing various types of buildings also adds to your score. Finally, those who achieve the best balance between military strength and wealth (gold) will be rewarded with Hero points. This is a medium-heavy game where hand management and dice rolling set the pace, requiring you to know exactly when to take a risk and when to play it safe. If you enjoy area control mixed with the tension of optimizing resource combinations, Daimyo is the game for you.
Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
1 OK
2 REC
3 BEST
4 BEST
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Game details

Families

Components: Control Boards Country: Japan Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Mechanism: Dice Drafting
Publisher La Boîte de Jeu, Across the Board, CafeMoka Studio, Games Unplugged LLC, Grimspire, Maldito Games
Designer Jérémy Ducret
Artist Dimitri Chappuis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game too complex?
With a weight of 3.23, it's recommended for those already familiar with modern board games (expert level).
How long does a game take?
Usually between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the player count and the group's experience.
Does it work well in solo mode?
Yes, the game supports 1 to 4 players, allowing you to test your strategies alone.
Is the game language dependent?
Moderately. You will likely need a translated spreadsheet or cards to play in your native language.
What is the main mechanic?
The fight for majority/influence in the archipelago's areas, combined with dice rolling and drafting.