Ninjato Board Game

by Gary Sonnenberg

(Waukesha, WI)

Ninjato Board Game
Board game manufacturer:
Z-Man Games
Number of players:
2-4
Ages:
10yrs+
Time:
60 mins

Quick verdict

Ninjato is an engaging game that really gives you the feeling of raiding different houses. It is simple enough for casual gamers but with enough strategy to keep hardcore gamers satisfied.

The game and gameplay

In Ninjato, you play a ninja that exploits the political unrest of the time in order to bring honor and prestige to themselves.

Each turn you get three actions that you can use to either improve your fighting skills at the Dojo or the Sensei, use your skills to raid the clan houses and steal goods, or use your goods to spread rumors about yourself or to bribe envoys.

By spreading rumors that match your particular strengths and by bribing envoys so that you have the most influence in the most powerful clans, you will gain honor for yourself. However, this is much easier said than done. By raiding houses, you and your rival ninjas will be affecting the strength of the various clans.

Additionally, the amount of envoys you will need depends entirely on the actions of your rivals. You will also be competing to acquire the various rumor cards. Almost all of your actions affect and will be affected by the actions of your rivals.

Pros and cons

Pros: Simple, fun gameplay with a decent amount of strategy, exciting theme, really gives you the feeling of raiding houses.

Cons: Not a friendly game (you can screw your neighbor), but also doesn’t have any direct interaction (for those who like that sort of thing).

The verdict

Ninjato board game is a game that’s easy to learn and play. Depending on the level of player interaction that you do or do not like, this game may or may not be for you. The theme is fun and exciting. It is a game with enough luck to make each game different, but enough strategy to keep more experienced gamers satisfied.

If you’ve played Ninjato, please leave a rating and comments using the link below.