This article originally appeared in Pyramid #18

Pyramid Pick

Legends of the Five Rings

Published by Alderac Entertainment
Designed by David Williams, Matt Wilson,
John Wick, John Zinser and Ryan Dancey
Price: $7.95 (Starter Deck),
$2.45 (Booster Pack)

As more collectible card games (CCGs) appear, several trends are emerging. First is an increased emphasis on detailed story settings accomplished within the game itself or via licensing (Highlander, Star Wars, etc.). The days are past when a new CCG could be set loosely within a genre (space, WWII, generic fantasy, etc.) and succeed. Second is a trend away from complicated dueling games towards either simpler, quicker combats (Overpower, Highlander) or more strategic offerings — such as Legends of the Five Rings from Alderac Entertainment/Isomedia — which add empire building and maneuver elements to the basic battle mix.

Legends of the Five Rings is set in the mythical empire of Rokugan, drawing upon Japanese and Chinese lore and the Samurai/Ninja genre for a setting at once exotic and familiar. In Rokugan, the Emperor — last of the Imperial Family — is dying, prompting civil war as rival clans battle to determine his successor. Each player directs a family belonging to one of six clans seeking to gain the throne either by military pre-eminence (eliminate other players), mystic power (put five magical rings in play), or by acclamation (obtain 40 Family Honor).

Legends is envisioned as a continuing saga. Glimpses of the past are provided by touches such as having nine personalities . . .

This article originally appeared in the second volume of Pyramid. See the current Pyramid website for more information.



Article publication date: March 1, 1996

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