オカシノビ is a game modeling the epic struggle between the ninjas of the Mushroom and Bamboo Shoot factions. It employs hidden team affiliations, asymmetric player powers and inter-player combat using a rock-paper-scissors resolution. In addition to the Mushrooms and Bamboo Shoots, each game also incorporates a set of neutral factions: so the agendas of each player are never clear.
Players manage a hand of six cards: all different; each with a faction symbol (Mushroom, Bamboo Shoot or Neutral) in addition to the image of a rock, paper or scissors hand gesture. In a player's turn she may:
Pass a card from hand secretly to another player to inquire as to their faction loyalties. For the most part, a player responds "yes" if their affiliation matches the card, and "no" otherwise. Some player affiliations require a false response to any query!
Attack another player. Both players select a card from hand, then reveal together. If tied, another card is played. Cards played are unavailable for re-use until all six cards have been played: at that point all are reclaimed.
Reclaim one played card to her hand.
The various player powers affect the actions: some are strong one-shot powers; others more modest powers that always apply.
The game continues until one faction has achieved their victory.