1st... I picked this game up used at a 2nd hand store. This brings to question if the price paid effects the overall review. Let me review the game first then discuss this issue. So, on to my review...

What you might get (What I got): I saw that this game was re-released and some of the artwork was change on both the cards and the dice. What I got was an original release. The box contained a Rule book, 110 cards, 6 D6 dice and a bunch of counters for tracking point or Honor.

The Rules:

This rule book sets the stage for the game, which is the Sengoku era in Japan's history. A time when Daymio's vied for who would be Shogun and try to unite Japan and gain the Honor that role would bring... You learn this with the rich history through-out the rules. I had very few questions about the rules after reading it and felt ready to play. I was ready to take on my role as Samurai!

The Cards:

Very nice cards! They have a nice feel to them and they don't feel thin or flimsy. They have a little texture on them. The Artwork is well done and authentic to the period represented. Twice, I have had players comment on the quality of cards.

The Dice:

Unique is a good word... Instead of a traditional dice with dots reprsenting the number rolled, these dice use icons or period design the represents the number rolled. Though different, it does not make it harder to count and actually adds a nice touch to the overall game.

The markers: The goal is to gain Honor and this is tracked by 100, 50, 25 and 5 point markers. They are made from stiff paper board and also have period art in the form of a watermark.

Game play:

As stated above, the goal is to mass Honor. And the quickest way to do this is by being Shogun. But its not that easy. You play as the Samurai... yeah the Samurai... Starting with two houses or two rows of cards. The first house is your Dyamio and the second house is your Samurai's. You fill your houses with possesions that help you gain more Honor, which include: a Wife, Army, Castle, Swords and more. But be careful... You'll also need protect youself against Ninja assassins. You'll need a good attack and defense strength. And as you get stronger, you beable to play more cards. Expect spend rounds building your two houses, but be ready to lose it all.

As you play, you'll find that while the Title of Shogun is easy to get for your Dyamio, it is really hard to hold. So be ready for alittle, 'gang up on Shogun' tatics and backstabbing! The rules lead to this type of play which in turn mimics the period to a 'T'! A Shogun was in constant fear for his life, for it was a title everyone wanted and would do almost anything to get. A Shogun can lose everything with the quick roll of a single dice... favored for the Assassin if you don't have a House Guard. And if that is not enough, as Samurai, you need to protect your own house against a dishonorable 2nd Samurai. For if this attack is successful, you lose your Dyamio to attacking Samurai.

You'll find that a good 4-6 player game might take awhile to play. And this is addressed in the manual and change in the re-release. The game plays to 400 points and was changed to 300. This game represents 100's of years that Dyamio's were at war with each other just to gain the title Shogun. Some of the games you'll play will feel like they are going to take 100's of years to complete. I found that a simple time 60-90 minute time limit fixes this and does not take away from the intent or feel of the game.

Lets wrap it up:

So, did the price paid, effect my feelings about playability and quality? Sure! I feel like I got a steal! The quality was great. The artwork was great. And the gameplay great! Though a bit challenging for younger players, it kept the adults thinking. Our young players fair quite well. We needed a few plays to really grasp the flow. But, in-the-end, we found this game to be alot of fun. This game will find it's way to our game table.