Tabletop Spotlight: Battle For Rokugan
The Battle For Rokugan is out and under the Tabletop Spotlight!
Legends of the Five Rings is a fantastical, “mystic Japan” setting that Fantasy Flight Games had acquired back in 2015. Today, the re-release of the L5R card game has become one of FFG’s popular stable of LCGs. But FFG isn’t just content to re-make the card game. An RPG is on the way and who knows what else FFG has in store for the IP. Battle For Rokugan is another one of those properties that is tapping into the well of goodness that is the L5R setting. Our friends at Dragon’s Lair Comics & Fantasy were kind enough to stop by and bring a copy to show off:
At it’s core, Battle for Rokugan is a territory control game. Players are attempting to take and hold different territories and score Honor Points (aka Victory Points). The player with the most Honor at the end of the game wins. There are special cards and abilities that can trigger that will influence the outcome of these “territorial disputes.” It also uses a really great bluff/counter-bluff/call-your-bluff mechanic with tokens.
The bluffing mechanic is actually one of the best parts of the game. Each player has a pool of tokens that you’ll draw from on your turn. These could be military tokens with a value (typically 1-3), or a few other tokens like Shinobi, Naval units, or even “blank” bluff tokens. Players basically place tokens on the board and they can either attempt to “attack” or “defend” from opponent’s “armies” represented by the tokens. There are no dice rolls, but there can be additional modifiers that players can use. It’s actually a very clean and elegant system.
What I really liked about this game was that the players aren’t just “playing the game” – they have to “play the other players” to succeed. It’s kind of like poker as players are attempting to bluff, counter and call each other. Are you prepared to risk your high value “3” to take a territory or are you going to use it to defend? But what if that’s just a bluff? Decisions, decisions…
The board and components are also all well done and in the same colorful style from the L5R universe. In fact, all seven of the clans are in the game and each one has a different clan ability. This is great for replay value as the game is 2-5 players. If you’re looking for a game that’s going keep folks interested, then check out Battle for Rokugan from FFG!
Battle For Rokugan $39.95
Conquer the realm and bring honor to your clan in Battle for Rokugan! This turn-based strategy game of conquest and mayhem puts players in the role of Rokugan daimyō struggling for control over the rich land of the Emerald Empire. Leaders must balance their resources, plan their attacks, and outwit their enemies to ensure their clan’s victory. The land is there for the taking. The most honorable daimyō will win the day!
Are you ready to conquer Rokugan?
