Ninja Arena (2016)

About this game

Ninja Arena is a round-based miniatures game, which focus on predictive planning and combat strategies. Within a wooden arena 2-4 players lead their ninjas into battle. Those solid arenas allow creative setups for new, challenging skirmishes. Players can choose from four different pewter ninjas, 6 unique special abilities and arm themselfs with a nicely balanced set of melee and ranged weapons. Short gameplay summary: Planning phase: Players plan their three hidden actions from 18 options Initiative: the fastest planning-player picks his desired initiative for the combat round Combat phase: all three actions from the planning phase are executed and in case of a draw decided by initiative.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 4.
• Rules load. At 4.0/5 this is a heavy game — read the rulebook before people arrive.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.