Samurai
- Designer Reiner Knizia
- Publisher Fantasy Flight Games , Hans im Glück , 999 Games , ABACUSSPIELE , Astrel Games
- Illustration Miguel Valenzuela Beltrán , Franz Vohwinkel , 徐昀享 (Xu Yunxiang) , 李小娜 (LI Xiaona) , 杨静雯 (Yang Jingwen) , 谢有鑫 (Xie Youxin)
Track your results with Playnexi
Add this game to your collection and track sessions, scores, and statistics.
Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Samurai, 2 to 4 players compete to gain the favor of three factions: samurai, peasants, and priests. Using hexagonal tiles on a map of Japan's islands, players tactically place tiles to control majority areas and enclose symbols representing each faction. The game involves hand management and strategic use of once-per-game abilities. Play continues until all symbols of one type are removed or four symbols are eliminated due to ties.
Who Is This Game For?
Samurai is a medium-weight strategy game suitable for players aged 10 and up. It targets fans of abstract games who enjoy tactical planning and area control mechanics. Beginners with some board game experience can learn it, as it features clear rules but requires strategic thinking.
How It Works
Players place hexagonal tiles on a hexagon grid board containing symbols for samurai, peasants, and priests. Through area majority and enclosure mechanics, players gain control of these factions by surrounding their symbols. Players manage their hand of tiles and utilize once-per-game abilities to influence the board. The game ends when one symbol type is fully removed or four symbols are lost due to ties.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Reiner Knizia, Samurai is part of his Euro Classics Tile-Laying Trilogy and won the Meeples Choice Award in 1998. It combines area majority, enclosure, and hand management mechanics with a medieval Japan theme, standing out as a well-regarded Eurogame of the late 1990s.
Awards
- 2017 Juego del Año — Finalist
- 2011 JoTa Best Game Released in Brazil Audience Award — Nominated
- 2011 JoTa Best Game Released in Brazil — Nominated
- 2008 JoTa Best Game Released in Brazil — Nominated
- 1998 Meeples Choice Award — Winner
Pro
- Combines multiple mechanics: Area Majority, Enclosure, and Hand Management
- Compact 60-minute playtime
- Theme of medieval Japan with three different factions
- Meeples Choice Award winner 1998
Contra
- Supports only 2 to 4 players, no solo mode
- Medium complexity may be challenging for casual players
- Playtime might be too long for very short gaming sessions
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in medieval Japan, focusing on controlling samurai, peasants, and priest factions. The map features Japanese islands and thematic symbols representing these groups.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on building your majorities and learn to use your once-per-game abilities effectively for flexible tactics.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Samurai is designed for 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A game of Samurai typically lasts about 60 minutes, suitable for a concise game evening.
What prior experience do I need?
Samurai is a medium-weight strategy game requiring some experience with abstract tactics.
How does this compare to similar games?
Samurai is part of Reiner Knizia’s Tile-Laying Trilogy, combining area majority, enclosure, and hand management in a unique medieval Japan setting.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 10 and moderate complexity, Samurai suits families with older children who enjoy strategic games.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of area majority, enclosure, and hand management mechanics creates varied tactical gameplay.
Fazit
Samurai is recommended for players who enjoy abstract tactical games with majority mechanics. Its 60-minute playtime suits focused game sessions without long downtime.
