Shogun Tactics is a strategy game that includes ninjas. The core goal for each player is to eliminate the pawns of the other player or grab the treasure. Each ninja has different abilities and should play strategically to win the game.The game can be played by two or four players.
The armies are placed on the tableau opposing each other.
Behind each army their own treasure is protected.
Each unit has its own way of movement and attack.
Units unlike Chess do not occupy the space of the fallen enemy, but stay in the space that they attacked. All but one unit, move horizontally and vertically only.
Each army is consisted by 7 different units:
7x Ashigaru - The most basic unit which moves 1 space horizontally or vertically. It can attack in one direction.
2x Double Edge - This unit can move 3 spaces and attack simultaneously on its front, left and right.
2x Monkey - This unit can move 3 spaces in any direction they like and then attack an enemy in left, right, front or back direction.
1x Cannon - This unit can move 1 space in any direction. This unit attacks the 3 spaces in a line. On attack this unit fires a cannon ball that hits all the targets, friendly or not.
1x Rope - This is the only unit that can move diagonally. It moves as many spaces it likes and attacks only diagonally one adjacent space.
1x King - This unit is the most liked. It can move 1 space in any direction but it can shoot its valistra and assassinate any enemy unit occupying a space up to 3 spaces in front of the King.
2x Wall - This unit is indestructible. It can move 1 space in any direction and also blocks all cannonballs and valistra arrows.
Once again, to win, a player should eliminate all enemy units or put a unit on the space occupied by the enemy treasure.
—description from the designer