- BGG rank
- BGG #4,935
- BGG rating
- 6.5
Mystery of the Temples
- 2–4 players
- 20–40 min
- Complexity 2.3/5
- 2017
- BGG rank
- BGG #3,734
- BGG rating
- 6.8
Shadows in Kyoto
2017
Rules assistance for Shadows in Kyoto
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 2 players
- 15–30 min
- 10+
- Complexity 2.0/5
For 2 players
Rules assistant for Shadows in Kyoto
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
Shadows in Kyoto is a board game released in 2017 for 2 players, 15–30 minutes per game, and ages 10 and up. It was designed by Wei-Min Ling and its main mechanics are Variable Player Powers, Hand Management, and Grid Movement.
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About the game
Shadows in Kyoto is a two-player abstract game based with the background of Hanamikoji in which players take control of the Oniwaban, a group of undercover spies, secretly protecting the Shogun, or an intelligence agency of the Meiji Government, funding with the advanced technology of the Western Industrial Revolution. As the commanders, the players must secretly gather key intelligence from the opponent while protecting their own interests. Through movements, conflicts, and tactics, players have three different paths to victory: 1). Capture 2 enemy agents who possess real intelligence. 2). Let your opponent captures 3 agents of your own who possess fake intelligence. 3). Succeed in the escape of 1 agent of your own who possesses real intelligence.
Categories
Designers
Publishers
- Lucrum Games
- 2Tomatoes Games
- Buly Games
- Deep Water Games
- EmperorS4
Questions and answers
Shadows in Kyoto supports 2 players according to the catalogue. This is the publisher’s listed player count, so the game is designed for exactly that number of participants. Variants for other group sizes, if any, are described in the rulebook of your edition, so check it before setting up a different configuration.
The listed playing time for Shadows in Kyoto is 15–30 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists Shadows in Kyoto for ages 10 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
Shadows in Kyoto has a complexity rating of 2.0 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a medium-light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
Shadows in Kyoto belongs to these categories: Deduction, Abstract Strategy, and Bluffing. Its main mechanics are Variable Player Powers, Hand Management, and Grid Movement. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The credited designers of Shadows in Kyoto are: Wei-Min Ling. These credits come from the published game data and name the people responsible for the game’s design, not its illustrators or publishers. Designer pages on MeepleRules collect other titles by the same designers, which helps when you enjoy a game and want to find similar ones.
The catalogue lists Shadows in Kyoto as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.