Battle for Rokugan

The Chinese are always a guarantee, even when they put the tried-and-tested card-game recipe into a different tin. Some idiots on the internet rushed to call it “an AGoT re-theme”, and I suspect that made quite a few people keep a safe distance. Game of Thrones is good, but it is not for everyone—and, in any case, that label does Battle for Rokugan a disservice.

This is area control: players fight for control of the map, and confrontation is constantly present. It is not one of those games where everyone quietly builds their own little shop; there is plenty of fighting, and what the others do matters.

Along with the conflict comes betrayal, so the interaction does not stop at a polite “I’ll take this region.” Opponents pressure you, mess with you, and force you to watch what they are preparing. To tell the honest truth, it also reminded me a little of History of the World, without that meaning it is simply the same thing with a different theme.

It left me with the best impressions and, more importantly, it honours the spirit of the IP it uses. Even if the grumpy Craaaaaaaaab ended up winning. It certainly deserves a proper mini-review at the first opportunity.

We are not wishing you happy holidays here; we have another matchday ahead.

P.S. Yes, dear friends from the north: five mid-size games in one night <3