Shogun: Vintage Board Game by Ravensburger (1983)

Shogun: Vintage Board Game by Ravensburger (1983)

• Publisher: Ravensburger
• Designer: Teruo Matsomuto
• Release Year: 1983

General Information:
Shogun, released by Ravensburger in 1983, is a strategic two-player game designed by Teruo Matsomuto. Now considered a collector's item, this vintage game combines traditional board game strategies with a unique mechanism where playing pieces automatically change numbers with each move.

Game Concept and Mechanics:
The goal of Shogun is simple yet challenging: capture your opponent’s Shogun piece or eliminate as many of your opponent’s pieces as possible until only their Shogun and one other piece remain. Both players start with eight pieces—seven regular pieces and one Shogun piece. What makes this game unique is its innovative mechanism where pieces change numbers after each move. The number, visible in a small window on each piece, determines how many spaces the piece can move, adding an extra layer of strategy and unpredictability.

Contents of the Box:

• 1 game board
• 7 white and 7 red pieces
• 1 white and 1 red Shogun piece
• 1 rulebook

Box Dimensions:

• Height: 3.5 cm
• Length: 27.5 cm
• Width: 19 cm

Historical Context:
The name Shogun is inspired by Japanese history, where the Shogun, from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, was the military leader and de facto ruler of Japan, often holding more power than the emperor.

Condition and Collectibility:
This copy of Shogun is in good condition, though the box may show signs of wear and age-related damage. Its condition makes it appealing to collectors of vintage board games, especially given its unique gameplay experience.

About Ravensburger:
Founded in 1883 by Otto Robert Maier in Ravensburg, Germany, Ravensburger is a renowned publisher of board games and puzzles. The company expanded from publishing instruction books to producing iconic board games and puzzles, such as Memory, which has sold over 50 million copies worldwide. Since its founding, Ravensburger has maintained a leading position in the board game and puzzle market, known for its quality and innovation.

Conclusion:
Shogun by Ravensburger is not only a challenging and strategic game but also a piece of board game history that deserves a place in any vintage game collector's collection. With its unique game mechanics and historical theme, it remains a captivating two-player experience.

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