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3 Best Japanese Strategy Board Games 2024

Games have long been a form of entertainment for humans since the days of the mighty Pharaoh, and amongst these games, only two types of games have remained relevant throughout the ages. These are card and board games, the latter of which has adapted fully to the modern age, by integrating into video games as a subgenre. A sub-genre that seems to only be going up in popularity due to the inherent nature of board games as they promote multiplayer games over single-player ones. But that’s not to say there are no single-player games of such nature, as the following list represents the best of the best in the genre with a mix of both.


Table of Contents

1. 100% Orange Juice
   
2. HEART of CROWN Online
   
3. Lost In Fantaland
   

100% Orange Juice

Figure 1-1. 100% Orange Juice

First, on the list, we have a game that takes a step away from the traditional format of board games and instead builds upon the basics of party games such as Mario Party. It merges the board game aesthetic with the countless mini-games resulting in a multiplayer experience like none other. What is the name of the game you ask? Well, it is none other than 100% Orange Juice, developed by the independent Japanese Studio Orange Juice. As the name may have already eluded the game features characters from all of the developer's games and brings them together in a high-stakes match. Where a group of friends will take control of multiple characters and go through a set of uniquely designed mini-games that will put your friendship to the test. So if you think you and your friends are ready to take on this challenge then download the game now from Steam as it is an exclusive their.

Figure 1-2. 100% Orange Juice Gameplay

HEART of CROWN Online

Figure 2-1. HEART of CROWN Online

Board games while being a staple of human entertainment have had some games that have transcended the normal boundaries and become games that go on to define the era itself. One such game is Monopoly, a household name but one that has become quite outdated. A remedy for this is the soon-to-be-released HEART of CROWN Online, developed by illuCalab, FLIPFLOPs, and Japanime Digital. But do not be fooled as the game is not simply a clone, it uses the basic building blocks of Monopoly to create a brand new experience set in a mystical land where Princess and Dukes still rule. Each player will take control of one of four princesses and set out to gather resources, land, and the most important of all power. Power can come in multiple forms, such as latent magical powers or just sheer numbers. It is a true depiction of the medieval ages, and if you want to give it a try wish list it now on Steam as it is an exclusive there.

Figure 2-2. HEART of CROWN Online Gameplay

Lost In Fantaland

Figure 3-1. Lost In Fantaland

Last on the list we have a game that manages to merge the RPG genre with board games in a way that has never been done before. It is none other than Lost In Fantaland developed by Supernature Studio. While many might link the game and some of its mechanics to DnD, it is prudent to acknowledge that DnD is the basis upon which all of the modern fantasy games are built. But the developers didn’t just copy everything as the game features many new mechanics like a procedurally generated world and mechanics which complement the core sandbox experience. It also focuses on combat a lot more than other board games, but that is just a by-product of the game’s single-player nature. As of now, the game has a version available in early access but it is just a small sample of what the developers are working on, and the game is expected to be released properly sometime this year. So what are you waiting for get the game on Steam as it is an exclusive there.

Figure 3-2. Lost In Fantaland Gameplay

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