Samurai Swords Board Game Review

Personally, this has quickly become my favorite board game of all time.  I grew up playing risk and ask myself where was this game all my life.  Enter in Milton Bradley Samurai Swords, or shogun or whatever name it is called today Ikusa.

My Reviews are going to be graded like classes in College; A,B,C,D,E.  At the end we will get a GPA which will determine if this game makes distinguished honor roll, honor roll, passes or fails.  A good game should at least pass with a C average. 

The categories I will be grading are 1) Presentation/Product/Package, 2) Game Rules/Mechanics, 3) Historical/fantasy Cannon Accuracy, 4) Cost/time, 5) Good Time and Memories

1) Presentation/Product.  This is an awesome board game if you can get a good used copy of it on eBay.  I bought a practically brand new game with only one piece missing from it.  The plastic miniatures are fantastic, the quick reference boards are really helpful, the board and cards are top notch for a board game.  Other than the foam sorting trays which seem to be the only bad thing.  I love this product.

A

2) Game Mechanics.  Think Risk but 10 times better, I really can't go back.  Combat system is better than risk and makes me feel like I am playing a medieval Japanese battle.  I will eventually use the event cards that Little Wars TV has added but the base game rules are still top notch.  Rule book is short and very easy to understand.  The best mechanic is the ninja.  That annoying little guy can make or break a game.

A

3) Historical Accuracy.  I am not as knowledgeable about medieval Japanese history as others.  But from my limited understanding This game fits what I think a Japanese battle should look like.  Muskets do play a huge role in your armies like the few battles that I have read about.

A-

4) Cost/time.  This is not a cheap game.  It will cost around $150 to buy on eBay for a good complete copy.  Some Ebay vendors sell extra pieces to complete a game if you need too.  The game also takes a whole afternoon to play.  Make sure you have the time

B-

5) Good Times.  This game is so good.  It is my number 1 choice to play on my birthday this past year.  

A+

And the result is.......

3.68. 

You almost can't find a better historical Board Game!!!!