Nothing Personal (Revised Edition) (2019) Board Game

Nothing Personal is a board game that was originally released in 2013 and has since been revised in in 2019. It is a mafia-themed game of negotiation and strategy, designed by Lucas Soriano and published by Starling Games. The game puts players in the roles of mob bosses vying for control of the criminal underworld through alliances, backstabbing, and cunning gameplay.

Game Components of Nothing Personal

Influence cards

Gangster cards with special abilities

Metal tokens

Thick cardboard money

High-quality cardstock (though some users have noted the cards could be better quality)

Dice for rolling

Game board representing the mafia hierarchy

How To Setup Nothing Personal

To set up the game, players first arrange the game board, which displays the mafia hierarchy. Each player selects a starting set of influence cards and a small amount of money. The gangster cards are shuffled and placed in their respective positions on the board. Players then take turns placing their influence tokens to control the gangsters. The game is ready to begin once all players have their starting resources and the board is fully set up.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area Majority / Influence: Players compete to control gangsters and positions within the mafia hierarchy.

Dice Rolling: Used for resolving conflicts and determining the success of certain actions.

Hand Management: Players must manage their influence cards to maximize their control.

Take That: Direct interaction and sabotage are key mechanics.

Negotiation: Players often form alliances and make deals to achieve their goals.
The objective is to gain the most respect within the mafia by influencing gangsters, working them up the chain of power, and using special abilities to accrue respect points.

Player Experience

Nothing Personal is known for its highly interactive and chaotic gameplay. Players constantly negotiate, form alliances, and sabotage each other to advance their goals. The game requires strategic thinking and strong negotiation skills, as players need to balance short-term gains with long-term strategies. The game’s mafia theme and the ever-changing hierarchy add a layer of unpredictability, making each game unique.

Pros

Great Art and Components: High-quality pieces, including metal tokens and thick cardboard money.

High Interaction: Constant player interaction and negotiation.

Strategic Depth: Plenty of fun decisions with long-term repercussions.

Unique Theme: A mafia-themed game with a dynamic hierarchy.

Cons

Kingmaking: The game can be prone to kingmaking, where weaker players help stronger players.

Catch-Up Mechanics: Limited effective ways for trailing players to catch up.

Cheap Cards: Some users have noted that the card quality is subpar compared to other components.

Vain Design: The game has been criticized for its vain and narcissistic design elements, particularly in the original edition.

Personal Thoughts on Nothing Personal

Nothing Personal (Revised Edition) is ideal for players who enjoy highly interactive and strategic games with a strong negotiation component. It is best suited for those who can appreciate the mafia theme and the chaotic, unpredictable nature of the game. However, players who are sensitive to kingmaking or prefer games with robust catch-up mechanics might find this game less appealing. Despite its flaws, the game offers a unique and engaging experience for fans of confrontational and negotiative gameplay.

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