Onoda
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- Designer Francisco Gradaille
- Publisher Salt & Pepper Games , GaGa Games
- Illustration Javi de Castro
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
You play as Hiroo Onoda on Lubang Island across six variable-length rounds, managing resources, undertaking missions and experiencing events from his stay. The game mixes Area Movement, Deck/Bag/Pool-Building and Push-Your-Luck with storytelling scenarios. You must balance health and paranoia to avoid penalties and earn honor points for missions. The publisher describes moments ranging from comical to tragic, with outcomes based on accumulated honor.
Who Is This Game For?
Onoda is aimed at solo players and fans of solitaire card games, as it is designed for a single player. With a 10+ age recommendation and a 25-minute playtime it is compact and accessible, yet appeals to experienced players who enjoy narrative solo challenges. Prior familiarity with deck/pool-building or push-your-luck mechanics is useful but not required.
How It Works
Onoda is a solitaire, scenario-driven card game combining Area Movement, Deck/Bag/Pool-Building and Push-Your-Luck. Over six rounds you gather resources, complete missions for honor points and face events that affect health and paranoia. Each round requires meeting resource thresholds to avoid penalties while pursuing mission objectives. The game resolves outcomes based on honor, squad condition and surviving the scenarios.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Francisco Gradaille, Onoda applies historical World War II (Pacific) events to a solo storytelling framework. It stands out by translating episodes from Onoda’s real-life stay on Lubang into missions and narrative events that influence final evaluation by honor.
Pro
- Designed specifically for solo play (Solo / Solitaire Game)
- Short playtime (~25 minutes) allows quick sessions
- Blend of Deck/Bag/Pool-Building and Push-Your-Luck adds tactical and narrative depth
- Historical theme based on Onoda’s time on Lubang Island
Contra
- Only for one player — no multiplayer option
- Serious wartime survival theme may be emotionally heavy
- Not suited for players seeking long, highly complex sessions
Setting & atmosphere
Set on Lubang Island during and after World War II in the Pacific, the game centers on survival, missions and episodic storytelling tied to Hiroo Onoda’s experiences.
Tips for beginners
Focus first on understanding mission goals and resource balance; the short rounds make it easy to learn by replay.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
Yes. Onoda is designed exclusively for solo play (players.min = 1, players.max = 1).
How long does a game really take?
The listed duration is about 25 minutes; short rounds support quick playthroughs.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with deck/pool-building or push-your-luck mechanics helps but isn’t mandatory.
How does this compare to similar games?
Onoda mixes solo narrative scenarios with Area Movement and deck/pool mechanics and emphasizes historical events and honor-based outcomes.
Is this suitable for families?
Minimum age is 10, but the wartime survival theme makes it better suited for older children or solo players.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Storytelling, Scenario/Mission play and Deck/Bag/Pool-Building defines its character.
Fazit
Onoda is a concise, narrative solo card experience for players who like historical survival themes and scenario-based mechanics. Recommended for solo enthusiasts who appreciate deck/pool-building with a storytelling focus.
Onoda at your next game night?
Add Onoda to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Onoda to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
