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 focused 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.