Devious vs BOOM Patrol: Picking a Two-Player Duel
By Smirk & Dagger Games | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: Comparisons
A grounded comparison of two head-to-head board games: when to pick a tactical tank brawl and when a minimalist abstract duel fits better.
Quick answer
For a loud, chaotic head-to-head duel with tanks and power-ups, choose BOOM Patrol or BOOM Patrol DELUXE. For a quiet, elegant two-player strategy game with no luck and pure planning, choose SHOBU. If your group wants a light, fast brawl, BOOM Patrol is the better fit; if you want a timeless abstract challenge, SHOBU wins.
What each game actually is
BOOM Patrol is an all-out battle for gold and glory in a fantasy spectator sport, with animal tank commanders in a crazy tank battle game that plays like a mash-up of Mario Kart and Battlebots. It uses an intuitive movement system and programmed command cards, and each animal captain has unique abilities. The DELUXE version adds holofoil tanks and captains, plastic molded tokens, and more. SHOBU is a timeless, elegant two-player strategy game with a minimalist presentation and deep tactical gameplay. It is designed for two players, emphasizing strategic thinking and careful planning with each move.
How they play: luck, planning, and pace
BOOM Patrol leans into chaos and fun. Programmed command cards mean you plan a few moves ahead, but power-ups and tank abilities can swing the game. It is a brawl first, a puzzle second. SHOBU is the opposite: no hidden information, no random draws, just you and your opponent reading the board. Every move is a commitment, and mistakes are punished. If you like fast, loud turns with explosions, BOOM Patrol fits. If you prefer slow, silent tension where the best planner wins, SHOBU fits.
Component and table presence
The standard BOOM Patrol includes the core game with animal tank captains and command cards. The DELUXE version upgrades the tanks and captains to holofoil and adds plastic molded tokens, giving a more premium feel. SHOBU is deliberately minimal: a clean, elegant board and pieces that stay out of the way of the strategy. Neither approach is better, but they set different expectations. If you want a table that looks like a toy battlefield, go BOOM Patrol. If you want a quiet, sophisticated look, go SHOBU.
Player count and session fit
BOOM Patrol supports two or more players in a chaotic free-for-all, though it works well as a head-to-head duel. SHOBU is strictly for two players, so it is a dedicated duel game. If you often have exactly one opponent and want a pure contest, SHOBU is built for that. If you sometimes have three or four players and want a party-style battle, BOOM Patrol scales better. Consider your typical group size before choosing.
Trade-offs to weigh
- Chaos vs. control: BOOM Patrol uses programmed command cards and power-ups, so randomness and player interaction can swing outcomes. SHOBU has no hidden information or random elements; every result comes from your decisions. Pick BOOM Patrol if you enjoy unpredictable battles. Pick SHOBU if you want a pure test of skill.
- Theme vs. abstraction: BOOM Patrol is a fantasy tank battle with animal commanders and explosions. SHOBU is a minimalist abstract game with no theme beyond its elegant pieces. Choose based on whether you want a story to laugh about or a silent puzzle to solve.
- Player count flexibility: BOOM Patrol supports more than two players, making it a better choice for groups that sometimes have three or four. SHOBU is strictly for two. If your game nights vary in size, BOOM Patrol is more versatile. If you always play with one opponent, SHOBU is purpose-built.
Key product facts
- BOOM Patrol DELUXE: This DELUXE version of BOOM Patrol comes with holofoil tanks and captains, plastic molded tokens, and more. The holofoil and molded tokens give a more premium feel and durability, which matters if you want the game to stand out on the table and survive frequent play.
- Boom Patrol - Superstar Tank Battling Action!: BOOM Patrol is an all-out battle for gold & glory in fantasy spectator sport, with animal tank commanders in a crazy tank battle game that plays like a mash-up of Mario Kart and Battlebots. This tells you the tone: fast, chaotic, and fun rather than a serious simulation. It is ideal for players who want laughs and explosions over deep strategy.
- SHOBU: SHOBU is a timeless, elegant two-player strategy game that offers a refined challenge for those who appreciate classic board game design. This signals a pure strategy experience with no luck, perfect for players who want a quiet, competitive duel that rewards planning.
Which should you buy?
Best for
- Players who want a loud, chaotic head-to-head duel with tanks and power-ups
- Groups that sometimes have more than two players and want a flexible brawl
- Fans of Mario Kart and Battlebots who enjoy programmed movement and unique captain abilities
Not for
- Players who prefer pure strategy with no luck or randomness
- Those who want a quiet, minimalist abstract game for exactly two players
- Anyone looking for a serious, simulation-style tank game
