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I will start by saying my wife does not like chess, and while I dabbled with it I did not get into it much myself. Onitama is an improvement in all aspects. It's simple yet it retains the strategy component of chess, in fact there is added depth in the form of using the move cards and planning around moves that are not optimal. You are still mentally dueling with your opponent but there is a lot more "fun factor" with this game. Matches move fast and it didn't take long to become a favorite around here. It's easy to pull this game out as an easy filler between other games like Star Realms but quite often we reach for Onitama first and just keep playing it until we need a break.
The neoprene mat is very nice, it will flatten out with time especially if you fold it the other way every now and then. The pieces feel good and look good, and the box is very high quality. Physically this is a well made game set and worth every penny, it's more premium than stuff you expect to buy at the target or walmart. The instructions are functional.
In the game you have to deal with the cards you are dealt, literally. Your opponent may use a good move against you but then it's shuffled to you the next turn to likewise use against them. Or you may save a good move waiting for the right time to strike. Sometimes you get hit in an unexpected way that surprises you even after you spent a few minutes looking at the board trying to predict your opponents possible next moves. I find it surprising how they boiled chess down to 5 pieces on each team on a 5x5 board and retained strategic depth. The speed of gameplay is a big part of the appeal to Onitama, a game is done much quicker than many other board games. This quicker turnaround time means you can play several games in a row and/or take breaks at the end of a match instead of in the middle of one.
Highly recommended. The base game is a must-have, the expansion that adds another set of move cards is very nice and also recommended. The other two expansions with the wind spirit and ninjas are not needed in my opinion. They start adding unnecessary layers and complexity to the game that slow it down and throws off the delicate balance of speed, simplicity, and tactical depth that the base Onitama game has delivered perfectly.
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 10.59 x 4.13 x 3.74 inches |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 0.62 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.8 x 3.7 x 10.6 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.7 Grams |
| Brand Name | Arcane Wonders |
| Warranty Description | No Warranty |
| Model Name | Onitama |
| Color | Multi-colored |
| Material | Cardboard, Plastic |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Publisher Services Inc (PSI) |
| Part Number | ARWDTE20 |
| Model Year | 2015 |
| Style | Onitama |
| Included Components | Onitama |
