2009 · Pike and Shot

Kawanakajima 1561

This game simulates the fourth battle of Kawanakajima in 16th-century Japan. Each player commands an army divided into clans, choosing actions for them as units maneuver, attack, defend, rally, and exploit terrain. Clan activations occur through an alternating chit-pull system, while unit abilities depend on elan, mass, fire, leader presence, and the clan’s current mode. Players must coordinate their forces, seek numerical superiority, and surprise unprepared troops within the historical limitations of prearranged plans and signal-based command. Two scenarios are included: the historical battle, in which part of Takeda’s army holds off Uesugi’s attack, and a hypothetical alternative engagement.

groupPlayers

1–2 best 2

schedulePlaying time

120–240 min

psychologyComplexity

2.8 / 5