Five Fingered Severance (2011) Board Game

Five Fingered Severance is a card game released in 2011, designed by Erik Lervold and Topher McCulloch. The game is published by Minion Games and falls under the categories of Card Game and Humor. With a playtime of around 90 minutes, it is suitable for players aged 13 and above. The game involves hand management, push your luck, and variable player powers as its main mechanisms.

Game Components of Five Fingered Severance

73 Work Markers

1 stand-up boss figure

6 stand-up character figures

46 item tokens

Game board

Plot cards

Character ability cards

Slacker tokens

Heat tokens

How To Setup Five Fingered Severance

To set up the game, each player selects a character figure with a unique special ability. For example, Lock can insult customers, Wendy can draw extra cards, and Lucy can steal more items. The characters start at designated spots on the board, which represents a convenience store. The boss figure and various plot cards are placed according to the game’s rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Character Abilities: Each player has a character with a special ability.

Plot Cards: These cards introduce various customers and events that can help or hinder players.

Actions: Players can move, insult or help customers, restock items, steal, or slack off.

Heat System: Players gain heat for slacking or getting caught by the boss; reaching 30 heat results in being fired.

Slacking: Players earn points for slacking off, but risk getting fired if caught.

Stealing: Players can steal items, but must store them in their locker without getting caught.

Boss Movement: The boss moves around the store, increasing suspicion and heat for players caught slacking or stealing.

Player Experience

In Five Fingered Severance, players take on the roles of slackers working at a convenience store. The game is full of humorous scenarios and challenges, such as dealing with difficult customers, avoiding the boss, and finding creative ways to slack off without getting fired. The gameplay is light-hearted and entertaining, making it a fun experience for players who enjoy themed games with a touch of mischief.

Pros

Unique Theme: The game’s slacker theme adds a fresh and humorous twist.

Interactive Elements: The plot cards and character abilities keep the game dynamic and engaging.

Social Interaction: Players can interact with each other by moving the boss or sending customers to other players.

Replayability: Different character abilities and plot cards ensure varied gameplay experiences.

Cons

Complexity: The game has multiple mechanics that can be overwhelming for new players.

Luck Factor: The draw of plot cards and the movement of the boss can introduce significant randomness.

Short Game Length: Games can be relatively short, which might not satisfy players looking for a longer experience.

Personal Thoughts on Five Fingered Severance

Five Fingered Severance is ideal for players who enjoy light-hearted, themed games with a dash of humor. It’s perfect for casual game nights or groups looking for a fun, non-serious gaming experience. However, players seeking deep strategy or complex gameplay might find this game too simplistic. Overall, it’s a great choice for those who can appreciate the absurdity of trying to slack off without getting fired.

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