Shogun Showdown

Shogun Showdown is a trick taking game that puts a whole new spin on the genre with a dexterity element. The game begins with cards being dealt to each player evenly and then hands are played in rounds with each player playing 1 card. There are 3 suits: Red, Black, and White. In between rounds of card play (similar to Rook or Euchre), players take turns flicking cards at the winner’s temple. Points are awarded on both card play and card flicking.

Simple and fun, Shogun Showdown is a nice break from conventional games that have you sitting for long periods of time.


📦 What’s Included

ComponentDescription / Purpose
1 RulebookFull rules, setup guide, special ability variant instructions.
12 Unique Character CardsSumi-E illustrated unique characters/abilities.
36 Playing Cards3 clan suits of 3 cards; 10 temple gates; 17 shuriken cards
1 D12 DiceA D12 for optional variant where cards are not thrown.
1 StandeeA standee to create the fortress for the defending shogun.
2 Card Clips2 clips to assemble the fortress for the defending shogun.


🟢 Project Status

  • 🟩 Ready for Purchase — core game is complete and available

Meet the Team

Shogun Showdown was a contest entry for a trick taker game design contest. It reached the final rounds and was noted as having a really fun and unique element of combining the cerebral meta elements of trick taking but also allowing players to focus on gaining other resources, beyond points to help them attempt to use the dexterity element of the game. It pays homage to one of my favorite games — Rook, as seen in the use of Trump suits/off suits, but then also breaks into a new dimension of asymmetric special powers.

I also fell in love with the Sumi-E art style of Mariusz Szmerdt.

Sean Howard

Game Designer, Publisher