Game uses a nifty mechanics

“Carved into the crags of the mist-shrouded mountains of ancient Japan lies the Shrine of Onitama. It is a place of enlightenment and skill, a site dedicated to the spirits that guide the Schools of Martial Arts across the land.

“Masters of these schools hazard the journey to Onitama with their most promising disciples to meet within its hallowed walls and to prove their superiority in battle against the others.

“These contests are more than simple combat – for in this place, the Animal spirits that guide the Schools whisper their guidance to the Masters, and bolster the students with otherworldly strength and dexterity,” opens the ruleset for Onitama.

For me, that is enough to draw my attention.

In this case I was rewarded by finding a fine new game with a clear connect to Shogi which I have talked about extensively the last few weeks.

No fear, Onitama by game designer Shimpei Sato stands on its own merit, but the piece movement will remind somewhat of Japanese chess, more so because this game has the Oriental-theme too.

The rules are quite simple;

“Each player chooses five pawns of one colour (one master plus four students). Each player places their Master pawn on the temple arch nearest them, and their four Student pawns on the two squares on either side of the Master,” states the ruleset.

“Shuffle the 16 Move cards. Give two random cards to each player, face up – this is the player’s “Hand.” Each player places both of their starting cards in front of them, face up. Turn over one more Move card, and examine the stamp in the lower right hand corner of the card.”

Now for the cool movement mechanics.

“On your turn, examine and choose one of the two Move cards in front of you. Then, move one of your pawns (Student or Master), as shown on that card. (The square grid will show you the way),” details the rules. “… If your pawn moves onto a square that is occupied by one of your opponent’s pawns, the opponent’s pawn is “captured” and removed from the game. Put it back in the box.”

How pieces can move changes as the game progresses as cards are used and exchanged.

“Take the Move card you just used, and place it to the left side of the play mat, rotating it 180 degrees to face your opponent

“Them take the card that is on the right side of your play mat and add it to your hand. You may use that card starting your next turn, as one of the two Move cards you can choose from.”

There are also two paths to victory.

To win in the Way of the Stone, you must capture your opponent’s Master pawn.

To win in the Way of the Stream, you must move your own Master pawn into your opponent’s Temple Arch space.

The simple rules, the changing move options, and the quick play time are all great.

Add in a ‘computer mousepad material’ board that looks sharp, and solid if not outstanding game pieces, and you have a game abstract strategy fans should enjoy.