Stealth Ninja Miniatures Board Game GCT Studios are delighted to announce and reveal more about the upcoming release of our first ever board game, Rise of the Kage.
In a game of Rise of the Kage, 2-4 players can choose to play as the ninja of the shadow wind clan; deadly warriors tasked with a variety of missions all ultimately focussed upon taking down the Takashi clan, the Jwar Isles' ruling family. Or you can choose those that have sworn their lives to protect their Daimyo; the brave guards of the Prefecture of Ryu.
The ninjas play cooperatively discovering weapons from shuriken to poisoned rice, dispatching guards as they seek to complete their goals.
The guard boss employs all the resources at hand to bring their deadly foe to a halt. If they can hold them off until sunrise or raise the alarm then all will be safe for another night.
Ninja or guards, players face difficult decisions. Do the ninja recklessly force their way through their opponents whilst undoubtedly raising the alarm level, go too slowly and stealthily though and they face losing the advantage that night brings, dawn ultimately bringing an un-reckonable force down upon them. Do the guards throw themselves in the way of their more deadly rivals or strategically attempt to slow them down? Rise of the Kage offers a great blend of sneaky skills and gobsmacking kills.
Come across and like our Facebook Page - www.facebook.com/riseofthekage to keep in touch with the game as it progesses. We'll be revealing loads of cool stuff from art to models over the coming weeks. What's more we will be picking three people that comment on this very thread to have their KS pledge upgraded to include an additional metal version of Katsumi.
Shizuka A master of the shadows, her cautious personality ensures her ideal mission is played out clean and without contact with the enemy.
As a worm Shizuka waited until the day before her twelth birthday to launch an attack on an adept. She had been courted for a number of worm squads over the years and as time passed many thought she wouldn’t have the stomach for it. They assumed she was destined, despite her promise, to join the ranks of the genin. Little did they know Shizuka was merely biding her time. Her waiting game paid off, she spent the time learning the strengths and weaknesses of her peers and assembled a squad she could be sure of. Her ascent to the rank of adept was painless, for her at least.
Individually the novice guards of the Prefecture of Ryu are little more than an annoyance for the skilled killers of the shadow wind clan. Though with enough numbers and when skilfully deployed by the guard boss they can become a real problem. Regardless of their lack of skill they nevertheless show true courage, holding to the task of protecting their Daimyo.
The ninja of the Kage Kaze Zoku kneel prostrate in the presence of the Grand Master. Honoured by their selection, each carefully chosen to represent their house on the clan's next mission. The candles burn brightly but seem to cast no light upon their leader, such is his mastery of the shadows.
Automatically Appended Next Post: Hello,
If the Kickstarter goes well, Bushido will certainly be seeing more ninja on the battlefield
Winner
First person to be chosen at random for the additional metal Katsumi model is Malkaven.
2-4 play the ninjas, while someone plays the guard boss, at least according to the current blurb.
Guess who will naturally have to be the guard boss? Me, the guy who buys the game hoping to relive those college glory days of playing the first Tenchu game, wanting to be the badass ninja, not the fat samurai.
Looks cool, will be following this closely. I love Bushido, but can't seem to get models in our game store, apparently none of the distributors we use carrry them.
Having spent a few years knocking around amidst the novices, there are those that show a little more skill and flair for their role, these guards shore up the ranks of the novices. Each will no doubt have racked up a scar or two as well as a good story to tell new recruits, they are considered to be veterans of the guard.
Very much looking forward to this. As other's have said, both myself and my brother were fans of the Tenchu series, and having it in board game form would be ace!
Yuto relished and excelled in training involving the use of a range of equipment, he believes that often some well placed caltrops to thwart pursuers attempts to catch him or his squad or a smoke bomb to throw off their senses can change the course of a mission. His successful string of missions suggests there may be something to his claims. It is certain that members of any squad he is part of are glad to have him and his carefully selected assortment of items along with them.
The elite guards of the Prefecture of Ryu come into play later in a game of Rise of the Kage. Once the alert level is suitably raised the guard player can call upon them. At this point the ninja need to pick up the pace as they race to complete their mission whilst they are hunted down by these superior guards.
We have also drawn another person to receive an upgraded metal copy of Katsumi
The concept certainly sounds great - it'll be really interesting to see how stealth is handled when all of the players have a full view of the map! I imagine a lot of 'blips' and hidden cards. Almost, almost sounds a bit like Mansions of Madness - players teaming up against a single Master for a common objective, and being impeded, distracted, and sometimes just murdered along the way by the devious power of the human brain.
And I hadn't realised until recently that this was the team behind Bushido - if nothing else, this will be another boardgame with some wonderful models!
Thanks for the comments guys, you're right the models are looking absolutely great and we will be revealing some soon of the final painted minis soon. In the mean time take a look at this highly detailed and beautiful piece of art we have for our board...
Kenta, Guard Boss A warrior of some renowned. The state of calm Kenta achieves in battle is admirable and will be essential in the coming weeks. From a small and obscure family living in the Takashi's allies lands of the Hare clan, Kenta's skills come from his training under Takashi Akio an opportunity that he will forever be grateful for. Kenta's allegiance to the Takashi's Dragon clan is unquestioned and his management of the guards under his command unparalleled.
I love the artwork shown so far, very colorful and with character. Did I miss the expected date of launch of this KS or has it not been announced yet...?
Early September sounds great, please do not forget to update it here at Dakka, although I think you are doing a great job following the forum!
I'm really looking into this, you have brought back a lot of memories...
A look at a small selection of the various equipment cards available to the ninja of the Kage Kaze Zoku. Used carefully these could be the difference between success or failure.
Thanks guys, the models will be supplied in plastic in the box. Metal versions will be available as add ons for those that prefer them. The models are 32mm to the eye.
Some kickstarter games have done videos showing the game being played to give players considering the game an introduction to it. Do you guys have any plans of doing something similar.
it certainly does not suck. I got to play a demo at gencon last week. It was quite fun actually I hope that they expand a few things with the funds garnered from kickstarter when it launches.
I don't think he was actually saying the game sucks he's just saying that he likes the ninja so much he would get them reguardless of the games quality.
carlos13th wrote: I don't think he was actually saying the game sucks he's just saying that he likes the ninja so much he would get them reguardless of the games quality.
will there be rules for the guards turn to be played without a player for a true coop experience? If not, any possibility of that being a stretch goal?
Anyone who is being a bit blind and struggling to find the newsletter like I did click on GCT studios on the right then the drop down menu will have newsletter on it.
Damn I am totally going to have to back this as a present for my sister - she loved the old Tenchu games and is looking for a tabletop game she can play with her husband.
..and yeah, I might have to get a copy too. I mean, ninjas, right?
All minis so far are very good looking and very well painted (just like any respectable kickstarter should show imo, helps a lot to promote both the minis and game anyway). Even if I have only a vague idea of how this game will be played, for some reason I think the rules will be really good too, I can't imagine how such great work can possibly not be accompanied by great rules.
I'm really hesitant to be honest. The metal ninjas look great, but with no pictures of the plastics and a lot of it still in concept I'm very much on the fence. I trust the metal miniature quality of GCT, although everything in metal is pricey. I'm not aware of any plastic experience they have.
However, when offered the choice between playing a Ninja or Guards, who would be really psyched to be the Guards? Seems like a bit of a case of being stuck with the short straw there...
Alex C wrote: However, when offered the choice between playing a Ninja or Guards, who would be really psyched to be the Guards? Seems like a bit of a case of being stuck with the short straw there...
I don't mind playing Consul in Super Dungeon Explore. In fact, most games I'm involved with usually require that I manage things because nobody else is wants to; I'm always the guy with the short straw, as it were.
But I can't help agreeing with Alex. Rise of the Kage, for some reason, seems like the kind of game where I'd really like to be the ninjas.
Maybe it's the lack of diversity/cool looking guards.
Thanks guys, Zond we are working with super experienced manufacturers and will be doing our best to ensure the models are as highly detailed as people have come to expect from us.
Alex the guards are great fun to play and it is quite fun to develop the siege mentality :-)
So who are the super experienced manufacturers? And... Well not that I really want to open this can of worms but I want to know what kind of plastic is going to be used.
Zond wrote: So who are the super experienced manufacturers? And... Well not that I really want to open this can of worms but I want to know what kind of plastic is going to be used.
I emailed the company through Kickstarter asking what type of plastic they were going to use. They replied that they are still exploring their options. That made me lose interest in the project. To me, the material to be used should have been decided before going live with the Kickstarter.
I really don't get it, after all the restic mess, don't creators have a little more homework done before throwing themselves into a campaign?
Especially after the Fallen Frontiers experience (which is very similar to this, nice painted minis and such), looks to me like creators are too busy working on their own stuff, they should take a moment to look around...? Would save a lot of free falls imo
I recall that the Journey Kickstarter didn't specify the plastic or manufacturer, and that didn't particularly impact things - and the end results look good! Of course, they were literally able to drive down to check on their Chinese factory...
Everything does look really good so far - I think the primary things limiting it are:
1) The $50 differential between levels will need a lot of plumping out before the risk of people dropping down is gone. Which wouldn't be pretty, given that 70% of the backers are currently at this level.
2) Pounds sterling and boardgames historically don't mix, even if it's perfectly fine with me! The pound is still quite strong against the dollar too.
3) I have concerns about the single map. If this is a game of infiltration, surely it's not very thematic to have an unchanging layout each time? I imagine that the doors will mix this up slightly though.
Bioptic wrote: I recall that the Journey Kickstarter didn't specify the plastic or manufacturer, and that didn't particularly impact things - and the end results look good! Of course, they were literally able to drive down to check on their Chinese factory...
Everything does look really good so far - I think the primary things limiting it are:
1) The $50 differential between levels will need a lot of plumping out before the risk of people dropping down is gone. Which wouldn't be pretty, given that 70% of the backers are currently at this level.
2) Pounds sterling and boardgames historically don't mix, even if it's perfectly fine with me! The pound is still quite strong against the dollar too.
I've looked at the Journey stuff, even though I didn't pledge at the time, and they do seem to be coming along nicely. However, driving distance aside, that's no guarantee whatsover of similar results for another company on a different project.
You're right, though, with regards to the GBP giving pause to Americans. But perhaps not for the right reasons. I'm more hesitant to throw my support behind a project when it requires my credit card info. As an American, I can say that projects based in the UK usually fall into this category. It's not as simple or reassuring as merely authorizing a payment through my existing Amazon account.
This touches on your first point, labeled # 1, there isn't enough there yet for me to back this project. And that threshold is higher than usual for the reason mentioned above.
A nice surprise! Not only have they now funded, but they've announced "Instant funding rewards" or similar. They will be re-adjusting the stretch goals based on feedback, and:
- Both Amber & Red levels get an additional board, the artisan's district. Market stalls rather than a mansion.
- Red level gets a additional (male) ninja, bringing the total to 5.
Not to my knowledge - I think they specifically said that they were looking into the most appropriate mixes/formulas. But we know that:
- Stretch goals aren't nearly big enough for it to be hard plastic.
- They are being made in China.
- They are supplied unpainted & unassembled.
So my guess is some variety of PVC, exact formula TBD. They are a miniatures company, so I'd imagine that they would want as high quality results as possible so that they can use the new models in their tabletop game as well.
Now have a sculpted 'hostage' model added, and chasing down teeny stretch goals currently!
£44 000 - New Ninja (Ghost)
£46 500 - 4 Extra Veteran Guards
£49 000 - 20 New Novice Guards
That will raise the total number of models at Red level to 75, which is not too shabby at all! The makings of a small Japanese army at that point...
Well, we are into the final week and all is going well, we have broken through the $100,000 mark and have added a shed load of stretch goals as well. There are plenty more to go though so come and have another look...
Nope - thanks to a stretch goal, we know that they are going to be fully-assembled in box though. They say that they're still looking into all the options/formulas, and that they're not going to be compromising on the quality, as they view themselves primarily as a miniatures company.
My guess is that this will have to be some sort of PVC, looking like it tends towards the Mantic (Mars Attacks etc.) since they are multipart, rather than the Zombicide single-piece models.
To be honest, there are now so many forumulations of PVC out there (and will be even more when some Kickstarters hit, like Journey) that it's getting pretty hard to pin down.
Good to see this doing so well. GCT is a great company. Bushido is worth a look at if you are looking for a fun cheap game (same as any skirmish) or if you are looking to paint something with the Oriental theme to it.
Getting better all the time, $150 Red Alert pledge is currently offering 117 fully assembled models, 3 boards, everything needed to play and for a $6 add on players can access Bushido profiles for all their models, pretty much two games for the price of one!
I'd be in on this n a heartbeat, but it's shipping date isn't for a year. I just can't set money aside that long and wait. Will pick some of the figs up later if they are smart enough to sell them seperately.
I understand, all I can say is to trust us, but as you don't know us from Adam that doesn't go very far.
That said this is how I'd try to persuade you and others worried about the material:
1. We are going to choose the best material for our minis NOT price.
2. We hope to be building a reputation for quality and reliability, we wouldn't risk that here for a quick buck it makes no sense.
3. We have never missed a delivery date in three years for Bushido nor had a complaint about the quality of the product, in fact we are regularly lauded for the lack of mild lines on our minis (because we pay for the best casters in the UK).
Well, thanks for reading and if you cannot be turned now hopefully the reviews and component quality once released will convince you to become a fan and player :-)
Zond - Check it out when it's on the shelves or even better on the table :-)
Jake - Overnight (for me) we have unlocked the Guard Dog miniature, as well as fluff in the rulebook and we are about to break through extra board specific missions.
Congrats on the success, but no firm info on the material meant it kept me out as well - as well as an unrealistic delivery date (especially with no material firmly decided on - and therefore no production company lined up.)
Azazlex, thanks we're really pleased with how it went for our first full Kickstarter and we are pleased that there are so many interested but waiting on the materials, be sure to give it a look when we release it.
From our recent update:
We have been working with the manufacturer to ensure we get the highest level of detail without compromising the feel and robustness of the models. The latest samples we have received are much closer to meeting the high demands we all have. We are really pleased with how these hold up against their metal counterparts, the level of detail is quite stunning. Please note these have not been finalised yet, we have a few minor improvements we are requesting, we look forward to sharing the final products soon.
These models had a base coat and were dipped in Army Painter wash to show off the level of detail the plastic miniatures hold. No other work has been done, mold lines that exist have been left on etc.
Other News
Production is still working to target and we fully expect to ship on time in August 2015, we will of course keep you up to date if anything impacts upon our ability to do so.
A reminder that we have been able to extend the backer kit to new backers for longer so if you have any friends that wished they had got in on the Kickstarter send them to www.rotk.backerkit.com
I hope this can be expanded upon eventually. 
