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rating
Ludopedia
7.3
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
If you enjoy wargames with miniatures and want an experience that can be both fast-paced and card-driven or more cerebral with secret planning, Samurai Battles is for you! The flexibility to play in two different ways is its biggest strength.
Highlights
- Two unique game systems
- Detailed and beautiful miniatures
- Scenario flexibility
- Tactical and strategic depth
Keep in mind
- Moderate language dependency
- Requires table space
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Prepare to wield your sword and march into battle in feudal Japan with Samurai Battles! This game puts you in command of epic armies, ready to clash on battlefields you assemble yourself from detailed, modular terrain tiles. The beauty of historically accurate miniatures sets the stage for intense combat, but the real highlight is that you can play in two distinct ways, each with its own strategic feel.
Want fast-paced action full of surprises? Opt for the Commands & Colors system, designed by the renowned Richard Borg. Here, a deck of cards dictates the pace and simulates the famous 'fog of war,' with special cards that can turn the tide of battle and honor/fortune tokens to spice things up. It's an award-winning system that flows beautifully!
Or perhaps you prefer a more cerebral challenge? Dive into the world of Art of Tactic, by designer Konstantin Krivenko. In this mode, you and your opponent secretly plan your moves, and when the cards are revealed, actions unfold simultaneously – a tense and realistic simulation of a real battle! Both modes are surprisingly easy to learn but offer plenty of tactical and strategic depth to keep any historical wargame fan hooked. Samurai Battles is the perfect blend of art and history, a gateway to the most exciting battles of medieval Japan. Grab your katana and go for glory!
Want fast-paced action full of surprises? Opt for the Commands & Colors system, designed by the renowned Richard Borg. Here, a deck of cards dictates the pace and simulates the famous 'fog of war,' with special cards that can turn the tide of battle and honor/fortune tokens to spice things up. It's an award-winning system that flows beautifully!
Or perhaps you prefer a more cerebral challenge? Dive into the world of Art of Tactic, by designer Konstantin Krivenko. In this mode, you and your opponent secretly plan your moves, and when the cards are revealed, actions unfold simultaneously – a tense and realistic simulation of a real battle! Both modes are surprisingly easy to learn but offer plenty of tactical and strategic depth to keep any historical wargame fan hooked. Samurai Battles is the perfect blend of art and history, a gateway to the most exciting battles of medieval Japan. Grab your katana and go for glory!
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
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Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Where to Buy
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Zvezda
Designer
Konstantin Krivenko, Richard Borg
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
886owners
357wishlist
100want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many people can play Samurai Battles?
The game is designed for 2 players but can accommodate up to 99, allowing for large-scale battles with multiple factions or teams.
How long does a game take?
Games typically take between 60 and 90 minutes to complete, depending on the chosen game system and scenario complexity.
Is the game difficult to learn?
No! Both game systems, Commands & Colors and Art of Tactic, are described as easy to learn yet offer significant strategic challenges.
Do I need a lot of space to play?
Yes, like many wargames with miniatures and modular boards, you'll need a table with a reasonable amount of space to set up the battlefield and accommodate the components.
What are the main themes of the game?
The game covers medieval battles in feudal Japan, focusing on the Sengoku period and the samurai theme.
Does the game require prior rule knowledge?
While it's a wargame, the description suggests the systems are accessible. However, the tactical complexity might be higher for those already familiar with the genre.
Does it come with miniatures?
Yes, the game features detailed and historically accurate miniatures to represent the armies.
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