by jkayati
I own, play, and enjoy both Stone Age and Ninjato. For me, Ninjato is a much better game. I've heard the complaints about luck before, and I understand where they come from.I've learned through many plays of Ninjato that this isn't a game you can enforce your will upon. If you go in with a set plan before the game, you're placing all your chances of winning into the hands of lady luck. In many ways, this game is much more tactical. You have to take advantage of the opportunities as they arise.
There is, however, critical planning involved. Much of this becomes more apparent with more plays of the game. You learn what treasures to go for to get particular Rumor cards, in the event those cards appear. You learn what skills work well together, even from different styles.
I find Ninjato to be more "thinky" than Stone Age, but I've got room for both in my collection.