Shugendo
Shugendo at your next game night?
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- Designer Alessandro Cuneo , Simone Luciani
- Publisher Devir
- Illustration Jorge Monlongo
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 guide a family settlement expanding beyond the forest, cultivating land, building communities and managing influence while avoiding mischievous yokai. Each round has reveal, action and recruitment phases: reveal cards until you stop or 'explode' by revealing many yokai, use revealed cards to raise meters and take actions (explore, expand, develop), then recruit new cards from unlocked eras. The game mixes long-term deck improvement with moment-to-moment risk decisions.
Who Is This Game For?
Aimed at experienced players who like deck-building and tactical risk management; for 2–4 players and recommended age 14. The ~60 minute playtime fits regular game nights. Some prior familiarity with deck construction mechanics is useful.
How It Works
Each player has a personal deck and upgrades it over time by replacing weaker starting cards with stronger settler cards (Deck Construction). Rounds consist of three phases: Reveal (draw until you stop or hit an explosive number of yokai), Action (increase meters and choose a main action: Explore, Expand or Develop) and Recruitment (gain bonuses and recruit cards). The Push-Your-Luck reveal forces risk assessment, while deck improvement creates engine effects over multiple turns.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Alessandro Cuneo and Simone Luciani, Shugendo ties Deck-Construction to a clear Push-Your-Luck core. It's set within the Kemushi Saga and emphasizes settlement growth plus handling yokai as a gameplay risk. The blend of personal decks and repeated meter/action choices defines its identity.
Pro
- Clear mix of Deck Construction and Push-Your-Luck
- Settlement- and farming-focused theme
- Distinct three-phase round structure provides repeatable decision points
- About 60 minutes playtime fits standard game nights
Contra
- Push-Your-Luck can frustrate players who dislike variance
- Deck-improvement complexity needs multiple plays to fully grasp
Setting & atmosphere
The theme centers on expanding a family settlement at the forest's edge, balancing growth and the yokai that inhabit the wilderness. It combines farming and fantasy elements within the Kemushi Saga setting.
Tips for beginners
Focus first on learning the three phases and build your deck gradually; avoid overly risky reveals until you understand the consequences.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
No. Shugendo is designed for 2–4 players (players.min = 2).
How long does a game really take?
Listed duration is around 60 minutes; learning and setup can add time.
What prior experience do I need?
Basic experience with deck construction is helpful; the game targets more experienced players (min_age = 14).
How does this compare to similar games?
Shugendo pairs personal deck improvement with an explicit Push-Your-Luck reveal and adds settlement/farming emphasis within the Kemushi Saga setting.
Is this suitable for families?
With a minimum age of 14 and gameplay complexity, it suits families with older teens or experienced groups.
What mechanic makes it special?
The core is the combination of Deck Construction and Push Your Luck.
Fazit
Shugendo is a tactical card game for 2–4 players that merges deck improvement with push-your-luck tension. Recommended for players who enjoy risk management and progressive deck-building.
Shugendo at your next game night?
Add Shugendo to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Shugendo to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
