8.8
rating
Ludopedia
7.4
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
A must-have for Witcher fans and lovers of Eastern themes; the inverted scoring system is a stroke of genius.
Highlights
- Absolutely stunning Japanese aesthetics
- Partnership mechanic creates genuine interaction
- Extremely robust and varied solo mode
- Iconic characters with fresh abilities
Keep in mind
- Heavy text dependency requires translation
- Moderate learning curve for beginners
RECOMMENDED
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Ever wondered what The Witcher's universe would look like with an Eastern twist? Ronin does exactly that, transporting Geralt and crew to a world inspired by Japanese folklore. It's a standalone game, meaning you don't need the base game to enjoy it, but it expands the Path of Destiny experience with stunning aesthetics and refreshed mechanics. You can take on the roles of iconic characters like Geralt, Ciri, Yennefer, Triss, Vesemir, and Jaskier—and yes, they've been adapted to the theme: imagine Geralt wielding a katana or Jaskier charming geishas with his biwa.
The real game-changer here is the tableau balance. Unlike the original version, scoring is now dynamic: you earn Victory Points for the symbol you collected LEAST and Experience Points for the one you collected MOST. This forces you to think strategically and avoid over-specializing. Additionally, the game introduces Partnership Tracks placed between you and your neighbors. This creates a curious dynamic where, while you strive for victory, you must cooperate with those sitting next to you to unlock bonuses and special abilities. It's the classic 'trust your partner, but remember you're the one who wants to win'.
For solo players or duos, the game provides the Automa, a system that simulates additional players so the cooperative and competitive experience remains intact. In solo mode, the variability is massive, with hundreds of combinations of characters and difficulty levels. If you enjoy the mix of RPG elements, card management, and high-quality art, Ronin is a fascinating dive into a very well-executed 'what if' scenario.
The real game-changer here is the tableau balance. Unlike the original version, scoring is now dynamic: you earn Victory Points for the symbol you collected LEAST and Experience Points for the one you collected MOST. This forces you to think strategically and avoid over-specializing. Additionally, the game introduces Partnership Tracks placed between you and your neighbors. This creates a curious dynamic where, while you strive for victory, you must cooperate with those sitting next to you to unlock bonuses and special abilities. It's the classic 'trust your partner, but remember you're the one who wants to win'.
For solo players or duos, the game provides the Automa, a system that simulates additional players so the cooperative and competitive experience remains intact. In solo mode, the variability is massive, with hundreds of combinations of characters and difficulty levels. If you enjoy the mix of RPG elements, card management, and high-quality art, Ronin is a fascinating dive into a very well-executed 'what if' scenario.
GALLERY
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Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Go On Board, CD Projekt RED, CD Projekt SA, Geekach LLC, HIT Games, Matagot, Rebel Sp. z o.o.
Designer
Łukasz Woźniak, Rafał Jaki
Artist
Agata Skowronek, Łukasz Dudasz, Rafał Jaki
Do I need the base Path of Destiny game to play?
Nope! Ronin is a standalone game, meaning it comes with everything you need to jump straight in.
Is it hard to learn?
It has a 3/5 weight on BGG, so it's not a gateway game, but it's far from impossible. The scoring mechanic requires focus, but it clicks after the first game.
How does the solo mode work?
You use the Automa system, which simulates opponents. You choose your character and difficulty, creating hundreds of different scenarios.
How long does a game take?
Usually between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the player count and the complexity of the session.
Does the game include miniatures?
Yes, it features collectible miniatures that enhance the immersion in this alternative world.
Is it a cooperative or competitive game?
It's competitive, but with a strong cooperative layer. You need to help your neighbors to get bonuses, but in the end, only one player wins.