Abstract Strategy · Animals

Shijin

In Shijin, players face off in a duel between celestial spirits to determine who will become the divine protector of the newborn heir to the Emperor.

2–4 players45 minages 12

Save to my collection Log a play

About the game

What is Shijin

In Shijin, players face off in a duel between celestial spirits to determine who will become the divine protector of the newborn heir to the Emperor.

The four guardians—Seiryū, the Azure Dragon of the East; Byakko, the White Tiger of the West; Genbu, the Black Tortoise of the North; and Suzaku, the Vermilion Bird of the South—each can claim the role of the Imperial Prince’s tutelary guide.

This abstract strategy game unfolds on a 5×5 board. Each player places their Guardian miniature and four Seal tokens of their color onto the board. A player’s turn is quick and intuitive: move your Guardian or one of your Seals to an adjacent empty space, or perform a special move with a Seal if it is adjacent to your Guardian.

The first player who manages to place all four of their Seals adjacent to the opposing Guardian captures it and wins the game.

Specs