Ronin: Skirmish Wargames in the Age of the Samurai

About this board game

Ronin: Skirmish Wargames in the Age of the Samurai is a two-player skirmish wargame set in 16th-century Japan, where rival forces fight for dominance and survival.

Inspired by the atmosphere of films such as Seven Samurai and Yojimbo, the game places players in an age of feuding samurai, wandering swordsmen, and fearless warrior monks. Each commander chooses a faction and builds a force suited to the coming battle.

Players can field the loyal samurai retainers of a feudal lord or lead a horde of desperate bandits. They can also recruit swords-for-hire, including masterless ronin, martial arts masters, and secretive ninja. These specialists lend their skills to commanders able to afford them, adding further options to each force.

• Force building: Use a full points system to assemble and customize your warriors.
• Detailed characters: Select from a wide range of equipment and skills.
• Tactical combat: Make important decisions in the middle of fast-paced hand-to-hand fighting.
• Campaign play: Use scenarios and a campaign system to let warriors gain experience and develop over time.

The rules aim to capture the cut and thrust of close combat while keeping players focused on immediate tactical choices. Positioning, force composition, and the abilities of individual fighters all contribute to the struggle.

Whether commanding disciplined retainers, desperate outlaws, or a mixed force strengthened by hired blades, Ronin offers a focused battle experience with room for detailed customization and longer-term development. Released in 2013, it is designed for head-to-head clashes in a dramatic samurai setting.