Shadow Hunters
- Designer Yasutaka Ikeda
- Publisher Game Republic, Inc. , cosaic , Giochi Uniti , Kaissa Chess & Games , KOSMOS
- Illustration Naoki Fukuda , Gunter Grossholz , Gou Ikeda , Hiroyuki Imahori , Michaela Kienle , Kei Kurosaki
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Shadow Hunters, you play in a devil-filled forest as a member of Shadows, Hunters, or Neutrals. Your identity is hidden while you try to uncover allies and enemies. The game combines variable player powers, dice rolling, and equipment cards to influence the outcome. Expect tense rounds of bluffing, deduction, and team conflict until one faction prevails.
Who Is This Game For?
Shadow Hunters is aimed at experienced players who enjoy social deduction and hidden role games. Its approximately 60-minute duration fits well for players patient with bluffing and interaction. Prior experience with games like Werewolf helps but is not mandatory.
How It Works
Players receive secret roles from three factions with distinct win conditions. Dice rolls and equipment cards affect gameplay. Hidden roles and variable powers create uncertainty, forcing players to deduce friend from foe. Player elimination can occur depending on combat outcomes.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Yasutaka Ikeda, Shadow Hunters was nominated for the 2006 Japan Boardgame Prize Best Japanese Game and the 2010 As d'Or. It blends anime-style art with classic social deduction and dice mechanics, fitting into the Werewolf/Mafia game family with team-based gameplay.
Awards
2010
2006
Pro
- Hidden roles with variable player powers
- Combination of dice rolling and team tactics
- 60-minute game length for quick play
- Atmospheric anime-horror setting
Contra
- Requires at least 4 players, no solo mode
- Player elimination can be frustrating
- Complex for younger or inexperienced players
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in a devil-infested forest where supernatural creatures and humans fight for survival. Its atmosphere is influenced by anime and manga styles, creating a dark horror theme.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on identifying your team and using your role without revealing yourself too early.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Shadow Hunters is designed for 4 to 8 players and does not support solo play.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 60 minutes, making it a medium-length social deduction game.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with social deduction or hidden role games is helpful but not required.
How does this compare to similar games?
Shadow Hunters combines hidden roles with dice mechanics and variable player powers in an anime-horror setting.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 13, it is better suited for older children and adults rather than as a family game.
What mechanic makes it special?
The mix of hidden roles, variable player powers, and dice rolling creates unique gameplay dynamics.
Fazit
Shadow Hunters is recommended for groups who enjoy hidden identities and tactical team battles. It suits players with experience and patience for social interaction and bluffing.
