Ninjato

Play a ninja in twelfth-century Japan and quietly pull the strings between two warring clans.

Designers: Adam West, Dan Schnake
Published by: Z-Man Games
Editions by: IELLO, White Goblin Games, CrossCut Games

Twelfth-century Japan: the Minamoto and Taira clans are fighting for the throne while a retired emperor plays both sides against each other. You are none of them. You are a ninja working in the shadows, bending the chaos to your own advantage. Over the game you place your agents, collect sets, manage your hand and gamble on risky raids, all to win influence over the three factions and build up your honor. When the new order settles, exactly one ninja becomes the Ninjato, the Invisible Sword of the ruling house. Think intrigue with a worker-placement frame and a few knife-edge push-your-luck moments. Two to four players, about an hour, 2011.

Ninja agents placed on raids and missionsThree factions fight over influencePush-your-luck gambles on risky jobs

Who it's for

You like medieval Japan, scheming behind the scenes and a mix of planning and gambles, and you can gather three or four players.

Not for you if…

You want a quiet, risk-free euro. The push-your-luck moments will swing your plans, and the theme asks for some bluff and nerve.

Vibe's take

Scheming and slightly tense. You plan carefully, then push your luck on a raid and hope the risk pays off, while keeping an eye on which faction is about to win.