1978 · The Avalon Hill Game Co
(from the back of the box:)
You are now back in time-12th through 17th century Japan, to be exact. Your objective: the exalted title of "Shogun". As "Shogun", you will have the right to enforce the emperor's will, and become the real ruler of Japan.
Samurai allows you to take control of Japan. In medieval Japan, the central government of the emperor was dissolved. He become a powerless figurehead while various clans competed to take control of the country.
These clans were similar to the noble houses of Europe; and their leaders the equivalent of medieval Dukes, Barons, Counts, and the like.
Using formldable samurai warriors, the clans waged endless wars across the major islands of the Japanese archipelago.
Concept of Play
