Onitama

Abstract games with perfect information environment can only go so far in keeping players engaged within their world. Although many fall in love with the deep and satisfying strategic and tactical aspects of abstracts, nevertheless, having an underlying theme is still a powerful marketing tool.

In Onitama you play as one of two martial arts masters who want to put the other to shame in a dramatic showdown, complete with rival students, a wooden dojo floor and an evocative sound ambiance, reminiscent of classical Japanese court music.

The game looks very reminiscent of Chess. However, in Onitama all pieces can move in more than one way, as described on the move cards, which are randomly selected at the start of the game. Whenever one of your pieces moves onto a space occupied by a rival game piece, you will capture it. Capturing the enemy master wins you the game, such is The way of the Stone. However, if instead, you manage to move your Master onto the opposing "temple arch" space, you win by Way of the Stream.

On your turn, you will need to select one card to represent the moving pattern of the next piece you want to move. You will then lose the card to your opponent, who will be able to use it after one turn. This card exchange system generates numerous planning possibilities. Even if the choice of two cards might not represent a whole lot of options, an important aspect you need to consider is what card do you afford to give to your opponent and what card can you force your opponent to give you in return. In this respect, playing Onitama feels almost as if you're playing two intertwined games.

You can play Onitama locally or over the Asmodee network. The online games feature a player karma rating system, which ensures a safe space for delicate snowflake if need be.

Onitama is highly replayable. You get sixteen game cards from the base game, but you can purchase a pack of twenty extra cards, which raises the replayability even further. I often get the feeling that abstracts have a moral depreciation limit. The more people play them, the quicker their flaws seem to crop up. That's why Chess and Go are considered timeless classics. Onitama avoids this danger because of its variable set-up and by having the players exchange their move cards continuously.

Final Thoughts

I love that Asmodee Digital is distributing these lightweight games free of charge. I get their strategy. If nothing else, you might be tempted to check out their other games, unlock the extra goodies, or even buy a physical copy of the game. No matter what your budget allowance is, you should try Onitama at least once. You might fall in love with it.