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Rising Sun

Rising Sun is a strategic board game set in feudal Japan where players lead their clans to victory through diplomacy, warfare, and alliances while competing for control of territories and resources.

7.77 / 10
BGG Rating
14+
age
2018
published year
3 - 5
player count
3 - 5, 5+
Recommended player count
90 - 120 mins
play time

How Complex is Rising Sun?

3.3 / 5

Rising Sun has a moderate complexity, with a steep learning curve, but intuitive mechanics and clear rules, making it accessible to experienced gamers and beginners alike.

How much Luck is involved in the gameplay of Rising Sun?

2.5 / 5

Luck plays a moderate role in Rising Sun, as players rely on card draws and dice rolls for combat, but strategic decisions and diplomacy have a greater impact on the outcome of the game.

How much Player Interaction does Rising Sun offer?

4.5 / 5

Rising Sun heavily emphasizes player interaction through alliances, betrayals, and negotiations, as well as combat and control of territories, making it a highly social and engaging game.

How much Replayability does Rising Sun offer?

4 / 5

Rising Sun offers high replayability due to the variable player powers, different clan combinations, and multiple paths to victory, making each game unique and challenging.

Why you should play Rising Sun

Unique Theme

Rising Sun is set in feudal Japan and features mythical creatures and gods. The game's artwork and components are stunning and add to the immersive experience.

Strategic Gameplay

The game is a strategic area control game where players must balance alliances and betrayals to gain the most honor points. Each player has a unique set of abilities and units, which adds to the depth of the gameplay.

Beautiful Miniatures

The game features highly detailed and beautifully sculpted miniatures that add to the overall aesthetic of the game.

Replayability

With multiple clans to choose from and different strategies to employ, each game of Rising Sun is unique and offers a high level of replayability.

Social Interaction

The game encourages players to make alliances and betrayals, which can lead to some interesting social dynamics and player interactions.

Easy to Learn

Despite its depth and complexity, Rising Sun is relatively easy to learn and can be enjoyed by both casual and experienced gamers.

Expansion Content

The game has several expansion packs that add new clans, monsters, and gameplay mechanics, which can further enhance the game's replayability and depth.

Why you should avoid Rising Sun

Lengthy Playtime

The game can take several hours to play, which may not be ideal for players who prefer shorter games.

Complex Rules

While the game is relatively easy to learn, it can be overwhelming for players who are new to strategy games or who prefer simpler games.

High Price Point

The game and its expansions can be quite expensive, which may not be feasible for players on a budget.

Player Elimination

The game features player elimination, which means that players who are eliminated early on may have to wait a while before the game ends.

Betrayal Mechanic

While the betrayal mechanic can be a fun and interesting aspect of the game, it may not be enjoyable for players who prefer cooperative games or who are uncomfortable with the idea of betraying their friends.

Where to find the Rules of Rising Sun

You can find the community-driven rules summary, player aid, etc., in the Rising Sun files section on the BoardGameGeek website. You need an account on BGG to download files.

Beginner Strategies for Rising Sun

These strategies are for players who have either not played or played one or two games of Rising Sun.

Understand the different clans

Each clan has its own unique abilities and strengths. It's important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each clan before choosing one to play.

Focus on controlling territories

The game is won by controlling territories, so it's important to focus on this aspect of the game. Try to control as many territories as possible, and use your resources to defend them.

Use your resources wisely

Resources are limited in Rising Sun, so it's important to use them wisely. Don't waste your resources on unnecessary actions, and try to maximize their use by planning ahead.

Form alliances

Forming alliances with other players can be a powerful strategy in Rising Sun. Work with other players to control territories and gain advantages over your opponents.

Plan ahead

Planning ahead is key in Rising Sun. Try to anticipate your opponents' moves and plan your actions accordingly. This will help you stay ahead of the game and gain an advantage over your opponents.

Don't neglect the political phase

The political phase is an important part of the game, as it allows players to gain advantages and make deals with other players. Don't neglect this phase, and try to use it to your advantage.

Be flexible

Finally, be flexible in your strategy. Don't be afraid to change your approach if it's not working, and be willing to adapt to the changing circumstances of the game.

Advanced Strategies for Rising Sun

Focus on upgrading your clan

Upgrading your clan can give you a significant advantage in the game. Try to focus on upgrading your clan's abilities and units as much as possible.

Use monsters to your advantage

Monsters can be powerful allies in Rising Sun. Try to use them to your advantage by controlling them and using their abilities to gain an advantage over your opponents.

Pay attention to the season cards

The season cards can have a significant impact on the game. Pay attention to them and try to plan your actions accordingly.

Use the Kami to your advantage

The Kami can be powerful allies in Rising Sun. Try to control them and use their abilities to gain an advantage over your opponents.

Be aggressive

As you become more familiar with the game, you may find that being aggressive can be a successful strategy. Try to control as many territories as possible and use your resources to attack your opponents.

Use deception to your advantage

Deception can be a powerful tool in Rising Sun. Try to mislead your opponents and make them think you're doing one thing when you're actually doing something else.

Don't neglect the honor track

The honor track can have a significant impact on the game. Try to gain as much honor as possible, as it can give you advantages in battles and other aspects of the game.

Mechanics

Set Collection
Betting and Bluffing
Variable Player Powers
Simultaneous Action Selection
Area Movement
Variable Phase Order
Area Majority / Influence
Take That
Action Drafting
Follow
Force Commitment
End Game Bonuses
Variable Set-up
Negotiation
Alliances
Auction: Sealed Bid
Closed Drafting

Categories

Fantasy
Wargame
Bluffing
Negotiation
Miniatures
Mythology