Senjutsu: Battle for Japan - Solo Review - Not Bored Gaming

Join me as I take you on a journey through one of my most anticipated games of this, or any year. Senjutsu: Battle for Japan is just being delivered to backers and I've had a copy for a few weeks (and played it loads).

This totally unique feeling arena battle game evokes the sense of Feudal Japanese combat, where taking your time and planning your moves is as important as striking a blow.

The game is designed by Paul David Allen & James Faulkner, published by Stone Sword Games and Distributed by Lucky Duck Games

Intro - 00:00
Gameplay - 05:52
Final Thoughts - 32:23

[a-blivvy-yus]

For something a little silly that makes it just slightly more flexible, you can argue that the game is actually 0 to 4 players. The AI works for fighting against other AI, so you can create battles with no actual players involved, just the AI. And because the AI decks are customisable, that means you can create an AI programming game out of it instead of playing it properly.

[giri]

23:13 I think your pushback doesn't deal damage, only pushes back 2 spaces, it only shows an *. There are cards where they have !*, which deal damage and explains additional consequences. By the way i like the game, it is fast paced, ideal for board game clubs to fill waiting times.

[asdrubael]

Just ordered my all-in deluxe big box... Thanks for reviewing this!

[wiktormonfilsgustafsson]

Nice review! Waiting for my copy to reach Stockholm. At the moment Age of Innovation is my no. 1 solo experience.

[AlfonsoFigueroa]

So this is like a more complex Unmatched?

[johnphillips]

Your pushback card wouldn't cause a wound would it? It doesn't show a !

And you say draw up to your hand limit, but the rules say draw 1 and you can be over your hand limit until the final phase of your turn.

Regarding the variable initiative on his block, the book says you choose either 6 or 2 and that it only blocks at the speed chosen. I don't fully get that but treating it as a range like you did makes more sense.

[drk]

Should you have gained a focus from that pommel smash in round 2? It wasn't successful, so surely everything after that wouldn't count, even though you were in the right Kamai?

[jhinxme]

Just got my All In box and it's huge, but I'm just wondering... is there any purpose to the Weapons Options each character has? Or is it cosmetic only? I've searched the rules and don't see anything about it. 🤔

[AlparslanKursadKagan]

hello hello. are those cards line finished?

[crimsonwizard]

"I'll be as objective as I can, but I know the creators personally and they gave me a copy ages ago"

Glad you at least acknowledged the conflict of interest, but I can't watch a 55 minute review from someone who is not going to be objective, as much as you want to say you will be.

[thealternativeroundtable]

Grabbed a cuppa, ready to watch. Backed this one but had some reservations.... game due to be delivered tomorrow.... Will it he a yay or a nay! 🥸