Queen Games Shogun Big Box Board Game (Model 20142) Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Shogun Big Box is a strategy board game for 2 to 5 players, set in feudal Japan during the Sengoku period. Players assume the roles of Daimyos, striving for military dominance and control over Japan to become the next Shogun. This edition includes the base game and four expansions, offering a comprehensive and engaging experience.

The game features area control mechanics, resource management, and a unique cube tower for resolving battles, providing a blend of strategic planning and an element of chance.

Figure 1: The Shogun Big Box game box. This image displays the game's packaging, featuring a samurai warrior in red armor and a traditional Japanese castle in the background, setting the theme of feudal Japan.

2. Safety Information

Warning: Not for children aged 0-3 years. This product contains small parts which may pose a choking hazard.

3. Components List

The Shogun Big Box includes the base game and four expansions. Please verify all components upon opening the box.

Base Game Components:

• 2 Rulebooks (English and German)
• 1 Double-sided Game Board
• 5 Double-sided Player Boards
• 55 Treasure Chests (Game Money, including 20 orange chests)
• 310 Colored Army Cubes (5 sets of 62 cubes)
• 20 Green Cubes (Peasant Army)
• 5 Victory Point Markers
• 5 Rice Markers
• 80 Building Tiles (28 Castles, 26 Temples, 26 Theaters)
• 42 Unrest Tokens
• 1 Dice Tower (Funnel, Tower, and Catch Tray)
• 53 Province Cards
• 25 Chest Cards
• 5 Special Cards
• 10 Action Cards
• 12 Event Cards
• 5 Daimyo Cards

Expansion Components:

1. Tenno's Court Expansion:

• 1 Imperial Court Board
• 5 Player Extension Boards
• 35 Wooden Court Officials
• 21 Favor Cards
• 15 Dice Tower Cards

2. Samurai Expansion:

• 5 Sets of 4 Different Bonus Cards (20 cards total)

3. Military Leaders Expansion:

• 5 Wooden Military Leaders
• 30 Monuments
• 5 Overview Cards

4. Arts in Japan (Chambers) Expansion:

• 1 Tableau
• 5 Sets of 15 Game Markers (75 markers total)
• 5 Region Cards
• 36 Artist Tiles
• 1 Cloth Bag

Figure 2: Various game components for Shogun Big Box. This image shows the game board, player boards, cards, and numerous wooden cubes and tokens, illustrating the rich array of physical components included in the game.

4. Setup

Follow these steps to set up the Shogun Big Box game for play:

1. Game Board Placement: Place the double-sided game board in the center of the playing area. Choose the appropriate side based on the number of players (refer to the rulebook for details).
2. Dice Tower Assembly: Assemble the Dice Tower by placing the funnel into the tower and ensuring the catch tray is at the bottom. Position it near the game board.
3. Player Setup: Each player selects a color and takes the corresponding player board, 62 army cubes, a Victory Point marker, and a Rice marker. Place the Victory Point marker on the '0' space of the Victory Point track and the Rice marker on the '0' space of the Rice track on their player board.
4. Initial Armies: Each player places a specified number of their army cubes onto provinces on the game board according to the setup rules for the chosen player count.
5. Resource Placement: Place the Treasure Chests (money), Building Tiles (Castles, Temples, Theaters), and Unrest Tokens in designated areas near the game board, forming general supplies.
6. Card Preparation:
   • Shuffle the Province Cards and place them face down.
   • Shuffle the Chest Cards and place them face down.
   • Place the 5 Special Cards face up in a designated area.
   • Shuffle the 10 Action Cards and the 12 Event Cards separately.
   • Place the 5 Daimyo Cards face up.
7. Expansion Integration (Optional): If playing with expansions, refer to the specific expansion rulebooks for their setup instructions and integrate their components as directed. It is recommended to play the base game first to understand core mechanics before adding expansions.

Figure 3: A game of Shogun Big Box in progress. This image captures players engaged with the game board, showing the arrangement of provinces, army cubes, and the central dice tower, illustrating a typical game state.

5. Gameplay

Shogun is played over two years, with each year divided into four rounds: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Players perform actions, conquer provinces, and construct buildings during Spring, Summer, and Autumn. The Winter round focuses on resource management and scoring.

Game Rounds (Spring, Summer, Autumn):

1. Action Card Selection: The ten Action Cards are shuffled and laid out, with the first five face up and the remaining five face down. The five Special Cards are also laid out, offering bonuses like increased tax income, rice, or armies.
2. Planning Phase: Players secretly assign their provinces to actions and bid on the Special Cards to determine player order for the next round.
3. Event Determination: An Event Card is drawn to introduce a unique event for the current round.
4. Action Execution: Planned actions are executed in the determined player order. Actions include:
   • Taxation: Collecting money from provinces. This increases the chance of a revolt.
   • Rice Collection: Gathering rice from provinces. This also increases the chance of a revolt.
   • Recruitment: Raising new armies.
   • Building Construction: Erecting Castles, Temples, or Theaters.
   • Movement: Moving armies between provinces.
   • Attack: Initiating combat in a province.

Combat and Revolts:

Battles and revolts are resolved using the unique Dice Tower. Army cubes (and peasant cubes for revolts) are dropped into the tower. The cubes that fall into the catch tray determine the outcome of the battle. Cubes that remain inside the tower can reappear in subsequent conflicts, adding an element of suspense to each engagement.

It is important to note that victory points are not awarded for winning battles directly. Instead, points are scored based on the control and improvement of provinces at the end of each scoring phase.

Winter Round:

During the Winter round, players must feed their populations. If a player does not have enough rice, peasant revolts may occur in their provinces, leading to loss of control or other penalties. Following this, a scoring phase takes place where players earn victory points for controlled provinces and constructed buildings.

End of Game:

After two years (eight rounds), the game concludes. The Daimyo who has accumulated the most victory points becomes the new Shogun.

6. Expansions

The Shogun Big Box includes four expansions that can be integrated into the base game to enhance gameplay and introduce new strategic layers. Each expansion comes with its own rules, which should be consulted for detailed integration instructions.

6.1. Tenno's Court

This expansion introduces the Imperial Court and the influence of the Tenno (Emperor). Players can gain favor with the Tenno to receive valuable gifts and privileges, but must balance this with their military duties. It adds new cards and actions, increasing strategic depth and variety in the struggle for provincial control.

6.2. Samurai

The Samurai expansion provides players with sets of bonus cards. These cards offer various advantages and tactical options, allowing for more personalized strategies and unexpected turns during the game.

6.3. Military Leaders

With this expansion, players can deploy Wooden Military Leaders to their provinces. The presence of a Military Leader enhances existing action possibilities within that territory. Additionally, Monuments can be constructed, which contribute victory points at the end of the game.

6.4. Arts in Japan (Chambers)

This expansion introduces a new tableau, game markers, region cards, and artist tiles. It allows players to engage with the cultural aspect of feudal Japan, potentially offering alternative paths to victory or additional strategic considerations beyond military conquest.

7. Specifications

8. Troubleshooting

8.1. Missing or Damaged Components

If you discover any missing or damaged components upon opening your Shogun Big Box, please:

• Carefully check all packaging materials to ensure no small parts were overlooked.
• Refer to the complete components list in Section 3 to confirm what is missing.
• Contact Queen Games customer support directly for assistance with replacements. Provide your product model number (20142) and a detailed list of the missing or damaged items.

8.2. Rule Clarification

For questions regarding specific game rules or interactions, it is recommended to:

• Consult the official rulebook thoroughly, paying close attention to the specific section related to your query.
• Many board game communities and forums online offer extensive discussions and FAQs for popular games like Shogun. Searching these resources may provide immediate answers.
• If the rulebook and online resources do not resolve your query, contact Queen Games customer support for official clarification.

9. Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance will ensure the longevity of your Shogun Big Box game components:

• Storage: Store the game in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to prevent warping of boards and cards.
• Cleaning:
  • Boards and Cards: Gently wipe with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid using liquids or abrasive cleaners.
  • Wooden Components: Can be wiped with a slightly damp cloth if necessary, then dried immediately.
• Handling: Handle cards and tokens carefully to prevent bending, tearing, or excessive wear.
• Component Organization: Utilize the included game tray or aftermarket organizers to keep components sorted and protected, reducing wear and tear during storage and setup.

10. Warranty and Support

Queen Games is committed to providing high-quality products. For specific warranty information, component replacement, or technical support, please refer to the official Queen Games website or contact their customer service department directly.

When contacting support, please have your product model number (20142) and proof of purchase available.

Queen Games Official Website: www.queen-games.com