Okay, so not exactly like Shogun but pretty similiar. I've played both games once and would love to play either one again but there is something clearly superior (to me) in Senji.

This is my first review and it's just going to be a short little comparison. I believe Senji is pretty new and perhaps some folks are interested in what it's like. So... it's like Shogun, only better.

I enjoyed playing Shogun but I felt really hampered by the action selection. I didn't like that only 2 of my provinces could attack. Or I could only tax one province. I have an army, why can't they attack! Why can't I tax everybody this turn? This made little sense to me. I mean, I'm not an 'attack, attack, attack, let's play RISK' kind of guy at all, but I need a little more flexibility.

I think their are 2 notable differences: (feel free to point out more)

(1) In Senji, if you want to attack everybody, great! If you want the more elegant cards, great! If you want to reinforce and/or mobilize everybody, great! However, whomever is hosting the Emperor decides what order these things take place in. And that means serious Power and serious anxiety for the rest of us (which translates into a great game experience).

(2) Another major difference is that one can host another player's family members thereby gaining some honor points (VP's). But, if you want some quick revenge because the Green player just invaded your territory, you can execute their family member (provided you have that card in your hand)! I mentioned this possibility just prior to an attack and it was rerouted. A great, subtle negotiation tool.

Anyways, I loved playing Senji and am considering buying it. On the other hand, I'm definitely not buying Shogun but wouldn't hesitate to play.

There are other differences like the negotiation phase and collecting card combo's and what not but overall the two games felt alike. However Senji made an effort to mimic reality and while Shogun felt like an exercise in manipulating game mechanics.

Overall, I give Senji two big thumbs up. Shogun gets a thumb and a half.
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By the way, the all-out attack strategy really backfired on this war-gamer dude playing with us. He took dead last out of 6. But I got his number so we can play Combat Commander!

Edited to reflect comments, thanks guys!