Shogun
- Designer Teruo Matsumoto
- Publisher Airfix , Educa Sallent SA , Epoch Playthings , Grandstand Leisure N.Z. , Lakeside
- Illustration Walter Schels
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players face off on an 8×8 grid, each starting with seven pawns and one king lined up opposite each other. The goal is to capture opponent pieces by moving onto their spaces, similar to chess. Each piece displays a number indicating its move range, which changes dynamically due to magnets beneath the board. After several games, the board can be rotated to add new challenges.
Who Is This Game For?
Shogun is aimed at fans of abstract strategy looking for quick duels. With a playtime of about 10 minutes, it suits short gaming sessions. Designed strictly for two players and suitable for ages 8 and up, it also works well for children with some gaming experience.
How It Works
The game board has an 8×8 grid where players place their pieces. Each piece’s movement range is shown through a window that changes dynamically thanks to magnets under the board. Players move pieces to capture opponents by landing on their squares. The game ends when a player cannot move or their king is captured.
What Makes It Special
Teruo Matsumoto created Shogun featuring a unique magnetic system that adjusts movement ranges automatically. The game was recommended for the 1979 Spiel des Jahres award. Set in Japan’s Sengoku period, it stands out among abstract games due to this innovative mechanic.
Awards
1979
Pro
- Innovative magnetic mechanism for dynamic movement ranges
- Short playtime around 10 minutes enables quick matches
- Classic abstract two-player strategy game with historical theme
- Recommended for Spiel des Jahres 1979
Contra
- Only suitable for two players
- Lacks complex mechanics for experienced strategists
- Short playtime may be too brief for some
Setting & Atmosphäre
Shogun is thematically based on Japan’s Sengoku period, an era of war and power struggles. The game abstractly represents a battle between two rival factions.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on observing and leveraging the changing movement ranges of your pieces to gain tactical advantages.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Shogun is not designed for solo play as it is strictly a two-player game.
How long does a game really take?
A game of Shogun typically lasts around 10 minutes, allowing for quick duels.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is simple enough for players aged 8 and up and requires no extensive prior knowledge.
How does this compare to similar games?
Shogun stands out due to its magnetic mechanism dynamically changing movement ranges.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, it is suitable for children 8 and older but only supports two players.
What mechanic makes it special?
The magnetic mechanism that automatically adjusts piece movement range is the key feature.
Fazit
Shogun offers fast, tactical two-player battles on an abstract board. It’s ideal for those who want strategy combined with dynamic mechanics in short sessions.
