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Description
Onitama is a two-player, perfect information abstract game with a random starting set-up. On a 5x5 board, both players start with five pawns on their side, with the main pawn in the middle.
Each player has two open cards that each display a possible move for any of her pieces. There is a fifth card that cannot be used by either player. On a player's turn, she chooses one of her cards, moves one of her pieces according to the chosen card, then replaces the card she used with the fifth card. The other player then chooses one of his cards, moves accordingly, and exchanges that card with this fifth card — which is, of course, the card the first player just used.
Moving onto one of the opponent's pawns removes that pawn from the game. Taking the opponent's main pawn, or moving your main pawn into your opponent's main pawn's starting space, wins you the game.
Year Published
2014
Featured Videos
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 12
This page: 12
Sentiment:
pos 12 ·
mix 0 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–12 of 12
Video PVSwvB6Uuj4
Let's Table It playthrough at 0:16 sentiment: positive
video_pk 61977 · mention_pk 154601
Click to watch at 0:16 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Accessible for families and kids due to fewer pieces and shorter playtime
- Fewer pieces to track than chess reduces cognitive load for younger players
- Dynamic, card-driven movement adds strategic depth and variability
- Fast, engaging play that can be learned quickly with a play-by-play demonstration
Cons
- Potential learning curve for balance and optimal card usage
- Some cards may feel over- or underpowered, leading to uneven reliance on specific patterns
- Requires keeping track of both players' cards and potential moves, which can be challenging for beginners
Thematic elements
- Array
- Abstract
- play-by-play instructional narration
Comparison games
- Chess
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Capture — If a moving piece lands on an opponent's piece, that piece is removed from the board and captured.
- Card Driven Movement — Movement options are dictated by one of five movement cards, each card showing black/colored spaces that indicate allowed moves for the selected piece; after a move, the card is passed to the opponent and a new card becomes available.
- Card Passing / Deck Cycling — Used movement cards are passed to the opponent and re-enter the game from the other side; the left-right rotation dictates which card becomes available next.
- Pattern Movement — Each card encodes a distinct movement pattern; players must read and compare up to five different patterns to decide how to advance their pieces.
- Pattern-based Movement — Each card encodes a distinct movement pattern; players must read and compare up to five different patterns to decide how to advance their pieces.
- Turn and Board Constraints — Players alternate turns on a constrained 5x5 board, with explicit restrictions that you cannot move off the board or onto your own pieces.
- Win via Master Pawn — There are two paths to victory: either capture the opponent's Master Pawn or move your own Master Pawn to the opponent's Master Pawn starting space.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's an abstract strategy game probably most similar to chess as you will be moving your pieces on a grid
- the cards that you use for your movement are given to the other player to use in future turns
- five cards will also help you to know how many changes or cards let you move you know to the right only or to the left
- this is a nice fast game that requires players to focus on the possible movements that they have access to but also what their opponent can do as well
- you can win by doing two different things and changing your strategy mid game is very possible
- here is a play byplay of playing against my daughter here hopefully you can learn something or learn what not to do
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 5QRR3ANR0TY
Allies or Enemies top_22_list at 18:08 sentiment: positive
video_pk 61145 · mention_pk 153671
Click to watch at 18:08 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- accessible entry into the genre
- calm, engaging theme
Cons
- tends to be slower-paced for fast players
Thematic elements
- bat conservation and family training
- farming community focused on bats and ecology
- eco-science-inspired storytelling
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- real-world inspired background — story based on a Ghanaian bat-seed idea; educational flavor.
- Resource management — grow bat populations and resources to sustain families.
- resource management and breeding — grow bat populations and resources to sustain families.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's such a good Gateway game
- the art on the cards looks fantastic
- it's one of those simple flip and write games that you just want to play again and again
- the lazy Susan is genius
- Planet Unknown just knocks our socks off
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video RvVxlZEv4h0
Rolls in the Family top_5_list at 0:36 sentiment: positive
video_pk 32664 · mention_pk 96709
Click to watch at 0:36 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Condenses the feeling of chess onto a miniature board
- Two win conditions add strategic variety and tension
- Movement templates and card cycling introduce depth and replayability
- High tactical tempo with meaningful choices each turn
Cons
- Abstract, which may deter players seeking thematic storytelling
Thematic elements
- Strategic duel using card-driven movement templates
- A dojo/ancient martial arts theme condensed onto a small 5x5 board
- Minimalist, tactical, abstract with a subtle martial arts flavor
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card passing — After using a movement template, the card passes to your opponent for the next turn, creating tempo-based decisions.
- Limited pieces — Each side starts with five pieces: one master and four pawns, emphasizing efficiency and positioning.
- Movement templates — Two animal-spirit cards define legal movement patterns; you select one to move any of your pieces.
- Varying win conditions — Win by capturing the opponent's master or by moving your master to the opponent's starting space.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- condenses the feeling of chess into kind of a miniature chess board
- movement templates can really change the feel of the game
- there's a ton of God powers that you can play with and these aren't just little things
- portable, very durable, this is a great like camping game
- the pieces themselves make up the play area
- there are some really good opportunities for clever plays or ways to trap your opponent
- the goal is five in a row
- when you move that ring, it flips all of the discs that it jumped over
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video CLOQTtqEMr8
Meatball Mountain top_6_list at 4:27 sentiment: positive
video_pk 29872 · mention_pk 87660
Click to watch at 4:27 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- beautiful board
- engaging movement options
- variety with rotating cards
Cons
- board can be delicate
- learning curve akin to chess
Thematic elements
- master pond path to victory through alternated movement and card play
- pond-themed abstract strategy with a master pond and temple gates
- elegant, chess-like
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- capture/kill win condition — win by reaching the temple gates or eliminating the opposing master pond
- movement cards — cards determine available moves for pieces
- Variable turn order — cards are passed and used to constrain or enable actions
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Kahuna is a really fun elegantly designed game
- it's like chess
- the artwork is incredibly beautiful
- it's very cheap and it's like 14 15 bucks on Amazon and it is a classic
- the point of the game is get your master pond to the temple gates to the other side
- and it takes maybe 20 minutes
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video CfUjiUl6yHA
Cape Fear Games general_discussion at 10:13 sentiment: positive
video_pk 29033 · mention_pk 152414
Click to watch at 10:13 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Unique dexterity mechanic
- Coop/ competitive options
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Dexterity tower-building
- Is land of cats
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- cooperative/competitive tower-building
- Cube tower
- dexterity
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I'm intimidated to get started with it.
- You're building outposts and in order to increase your trade routes.
- the artwork here is quite lovely
- I'm not super into Political themes.
- it's a dexterity game where you are building up power towers on the island of nikima
- Arctic scavengers I picked this up because I know nothing about it
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 2obuWEpamQs
Actualol top_10_list at 4:52 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10408 · mention_pk 30653
Click to watch at 4:52 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Different every time you play
- Easy to learn
- Quick gameplay
- Balanced player experience
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Martial arts combat
- Abstract strategy
- Chess-like
Comparison games
- Chess
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Area Control — Capturing opponent's king
- Card-driven movement — Moving pieces using specific movement cards
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- These games, I feel so close to them that I would invite them to my wedding.
- Deep down, you know, one or two of them you'll never see again.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video yA4LlkUZBgA
Actual Oh top_50_list at 22:06 sentiment: positive
video_pk 8706 · mention_pk 25685
Click to watch at 22:06 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Elegant abstraction that feels chess-like but more approachable
- Short, tense, highly replayable with rotating movement cards
- Excellent two-player experience
Cons
- Less accessible to players who dislike abstract strategy
- Limited player count (two players)
Thematic elements
- master-student duel with movement cards
- Abstract martial arts-inspired battlefield
- elegant, chess-like but streamlined
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card-driven movement — Each card defines a unique set of moves; players exchange cards each turn.
- duel-focused abstract strategy — Two-player, king-like goal with tension similar to chess but simpler.
- turn-based tension with limited cards — Movement options rotate; players must anticipate opponent's card and respond.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's such a great dynamic in its information-driven setup; you are buying low and selling high and that extra insider trading twist means that you're always watching the other players
- this is one of my favorite party games
- there's backstabbing and it can be quite mean but I think as long as you go into it knowing that because it fits the theme I think people just really get caught up into it and enjoy it
- Onitama is my favorite two-player abstract game
- The Mind is one of the most fun I've had with some of my close friends; it really brings you together as a group
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 4w2MlnVCP18
Unknown game_review at 6:43 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7215 · mention_pk 21387
Click to watch at 6:43 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- elegant, accessible two-player abstract
- tight playtime with deep strategic depth
Cons
- thematic connection may be weaker for some players
- abstract nature may deter some
Thematic elements
- pure abstract strategy with moving and capturing
- Japanese-inspired martial arts duel
- sparse, elegant design; minimalistic theme
Comparison games
- Patchwork
- Arboretum
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action card movement — Each turn you select a move from a shared pool of cards to maneuver your master or student.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a lovely slice of bluff and Double Bluff
- the presidency can switch hand many times as players try to get the best deal for themselves
- how much corruption can you get away with
- it's very easy to get into it, plays in about 30 minutes and yet has an incredible depth of strategy
- Pantheon is a solid expansion; it adds a few extra elements without overcomplicating things
- the gods are powerful, copying symbols or boosting science can create big moments
- Checkpoint Charlie works well for what it is a simple speed deduction game
- there's so much going on in this game that it's very hard to pull off thought out moves
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video JzsHIDw7adE
Dating Games top_5_list at 4:30 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5867 · mention_pk 17373
Click to watch at 4:30 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- short, approachable, and teachable
- every game feels different due to card variety
- beautiful production and table appeal
Cons
- box is a bit larger than ideal for travel
- some players may wish for a travel-focused edition
Thematic elements
- martial arts, dojo confrontation
- Japanese themed martial arts duel
- abstract strategy with elegant balance
Comparison games
- Chess
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card exchange and asymmetry — Using a card transfers its move to the opponent, creating tension and counterplay possibilities.
- Card-driven movement — Each card defines a unique move for a selected piece; once used, the card passes to the opponent.
- Objective-based win condition — Defeat the opponent's king or move to their home space to win.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- chess is like marriage it lasts forever you're always waiting for the other person to make a mistake and you get upset when she takes your porn
- Onitama is like chess it's a lot more fun it's over quicker and every time you try it it's a bit different
- The challenge is in reading your opponent trying to work out where they've hidden the winning card or what traps they've set for you
- 13 days captures its theme but it also transcends it
- this game completely delivers Twilight Struggle
- this would still be brilliant if it was themeless and that's what makes it a great couple's game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video P9zZvuyYDis
Dice Tower library_tour at 3:40 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4840 · mention_pk 14268
Click to watch at 3:40 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Fantastic abstract strategy game
- Top favorite on second row
Cons
none
Thematic elements
none
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Shelf 16 is kind of a an odd mix here
- This shelf has twice as many games as most shelves
- one of my favorite two-player games, but it's very difficult to learn and play
- Fantastic abstract strategy game
- Such a classic game and I like it a lot
- I don't know why I like it so much, but I do
- one of the most beautiful dexterity/party games there are
- There are so many games on the shelf
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video GGsz1oocD1o
Phenomena top_10_list at 4:09 sentiment: positive
video_pk 3025 · mention_pk 8834
Click to watch at 4:09 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- sharp, elegant core idea; two-player abstraction with rich feel
Cons
- theme can feel abstract to some players
Thematic elements
- discipline, movement, and strategy
- Ancient martial arts dojo
- punchy, quick duels
Comparison games
- Chess
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card-driven movement — each card dictates a unique move for any piece
- fog of knowledge — cards shift and replacement creates a shifting board state
- short game length — fast rounds emphasize deep calculation
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- board gaming remains the best thing in a bad world
- this is a collection starter and this time we're looking at ten terrific two player games
- it's watertight... you feel like you're scraping your elbows on the sides of the game
- it's a wonderful little gem from Tim Fowlers and Ace Artist Ryan Goldsbury who channels that particular 50s and 60s era art...
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video fBWDfXE9xsU
Adam Porter top_10_list at 25:10 sentiment: positive
video_pk 988 · mention_pk 2772
Click to watch at 25:10 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- hybrid feel with drafting
- replayable and accessible
Cons
- card swapping can be confusing at first
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Quarto
- Gipf
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card-driven moves — each move is dictated by cards; rotating cards creates asymmetry
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- these games have no theme
- it's a toolbox for you as a game designer which of these mechanisms do you want to employ in your own abstract strategy game
- product design is everything
- the single most impactful feature of connect 4 was that little hatch beneath the frame
- abstract strategy games are some of the most interactive games in existence
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
Showing 1–12 of 12