Review Details

Onitama

Product Review (submitted on January 1, 2017):

Onitama is a light, 2-player abstract game. The object is simple: move your pawns to take out your opponent's sensei OR move your sensei onto your opponent's temple/dojo. The movements of the various pawns are dictated by cards indicating where pawns can move. Each game uses 5 out of 16 movement cards, with each player always having two cards, and one card being placed between the players. Each turn, a player much choose one of their two cards to play. They move whichever pawn they desire, then swap the card they just played with the card sitting between the two players. Play continues like this until one player completes one of the two win conditions.
This game is perfect for what it brings to the table. It is a quick (no more than 20 minutes), fun abstract game that is a perfect replacement for chess. Onitama still has the same kinds of complexities and movements as chess, but with only 2 choices to make every turn! Within those 2 choices are depth and variants, but still, it is only two choices. And, you can clearly see what moves your opponent has, and know exactly which move you will be giving them 3 turns later, and be able to plan for the next move that you will receive. All the moves being laid out in the open is exactly what someone who struggles with games like chess needs. Sure, you can plan ahead a few moves. But, you can just as easily plan out 1-2 moves in advance, and still win! Also, the two-win condition is cool.
The game has great replay-ability. You can play over and over, using different combinations of movement cards that make each game feel completely different. Also, for an abstract game, this game is beautiful. The Japanese dojo theme fits like a dream. The artwork is stunning. The level of detail on each card, in the pawns, and on the board is fantastic. The fold-over box that closes magnetically is a great feature. The mouse-pad style board is a feature that I hope other games in the future will have. This game is small enough to take on the go, and quick enough to be played during a short wait. Finally, this game gives you a lot of bang for your buck: $20 for a game with super nice components, great artwork, and a ton of replay-ability is a steal. This is a game suitable for any collection!