Ninjato

Z-Man Games, CrossCut Games, IELLO · Board game · 2011
2–4 · best 4 60 min Weight 2.8/5
7.6 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 28.39
7.6 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you enjoy games with a ninja theme and a good dose of political intrigue, Ninjato might be your new favorite! It's a game that makes you think and take risks with style.

Highlights
  • Engaging political intrigue
  • Well-executed ninja theme
  • Varied and dynamic mechanics
  • Constant strategic decisions
Keep in mind
  • Luck can influence outcomes
  • Can feel a bit chaotic
  • Interaction can be high
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Prepare for a trip to 12th-century Japan, where politics are simmering and rival clans are duking it out for power. While the retired Emperor Go-Shirakawa orchestrates a human chess game, you and your fellow ninjas are in the shadows, ready to profit from the chaos. Ninjato is a game that blends political intrigue with stealthy action, where the goal is to become the "Ninjato," the invisible sword of the new order.

To achieve this, you'll need to be clever! Use your cards wisely (hand management is crucial!) to carry out secret missions, collect valuable items (set collection), and, of course, increase your influence in the right areas of the board (area control). But beware, danger lurks around every corner, and sometimes, you'll have to risk it all on a daring move (push your luck) to secure victory. The worker placement mechanic comes into play as you send your ninjas to strategic locations, securing actions and preventing your rivals from doing the same.

The game is a tense clash between the Minamoto and Taira clans, with you and the other ninjas manipulating events in your favor. Each game is a new opportunity to show who has the best strategy, who can bluff best, and who can adapt to the twists and turns. With a playtime of around 60 minutes and for 2 to 4 players, Ninjato offers an engaging and thematic experience, perfect for those who enjoy games with a touch of political strategy and a good challenge.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Country: Japan Theme: Ninjas
Publisher Z-Man Games, CrossCut Games, IELLO, White Goblin Games
Designer Adam West, Dan Schnake
Artist Drew Baker, Peter Gifford

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What is the average playtime for Ninjato?
Games typically last around 60 minutes, making it an ideal game for a quicker, dynamic session.
How many players can participate?
Ninjato is for 2 to 4 players, offering an interesting experience for both smaller and larger groups.
Is the game very complex?
With a medium weight of 2.75/5 on BGG, Ninjato is considered moderately complex. It has accessible rules but offers strategic depth.
What is the main objective of the game?
The objective is to become the Ninjato, the Invisible Sword, by accumulating the most honor and influence throughout the rounds, manipulating clans, and completing missions.
Is there a lot of player interaction?
Yes, the game has significant interaction, whether competing for areas, blocking action spaces, or influencing political events.
Who is Ninjato recommended for?
It's recommended for those who enjoy thematic games with ninjas, political strategy, and mechanics like hand management and area control, with a touch of 'push your luck'.

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