La Petite Mort (2018) Board Game

La Petite Mort is a board game released in 2018 by Lumberjacks Studio. Designed by François Bachelart and illustrated by Davy Mourier, this game falls under the humor murder/mystery category. With a runtime of 20 minutes and suitable for players aged 14 and above, La Petite Mort offers a unique blend of open drafting, pattern building, pattern recognition, simultaneous action selection, and storytelling mechanics.

Game Components of La Petite Mort

133 Cards (33 “Left” Cards, 60 “Character” Cards, 40 “Character” Cards)

9 Diplomas

2 Game Aids

20 “Small Dead” Counters

21 “Death Powa” Chips.

How To Setup La Petite Mort

To set up the game, each player starts by receiving a Left Diploma, which outlines four objectives that need to be fulfilled. Players also receive a set of Character Cards that will be born, grow, age, and develop personalities and skills throughout the game. The game area is prepared by shuffling and dealing the necessary cards and components. The goal is to ensure all players have their starting characters and the necessary resources to begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Character Life Cycle: Characters are born, grow, age, and acquire skills and personalities.

Death Mechanic: Players must accompany their characters to a “beautiful death” to achieve objectives, while trying to prematurely end their opponents’ characters’ lives.

Objective Fulfillment: The first player to fulfill the four objectives on their Left Diploma wins.

Resource Management: Players use “Small Dead” Counters and “Death Powa” Chips to manage their characters’ lives and deaths.

Competitive Element: Players can mow down opponents’ characters early, but this comes with lesser rewards as the won cards must be shared.

Player Experience

La Petite Mort offers a unique and engaging experience where players balance nurturing their own characters through various life stages while strategically eliminating their opponents’ characters. The game is known for its fun, competitive nature and the satisfaction of guiding characters to their “beautiful death” while disrupting opponents’ plans.

Pros

Unique Theme: The game’s focus on the life cycle and death of characters adds a fresh twist to traditional strategy games.

Strategic Depth: Players need to balance long-term goals with immediate actions to disrupt opponents.

Engaging Mechanics: The combination of character development and competitive sabotage keeps players engaged and invested.

Family-Friendly: Despite its death theme, the game is suitable for a wide range of players, including families.

Cons

Learning Curve: The game’s mechanics and objectives might take a few rounds to fully understand.

Luck Element: Card draws can significantly impact gameplay, introducing an element of luck.

Component Quality: Some players may find the cardboard components to be less durable than desired.

Personal Thoughts on La Petite Mort

La Petite Mort is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a competitive edge and a touch of dark humor. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate games with a unique theme and deep gameplay mechanics. While it may not be the best fit for very young children due to its theme, it is generally suitable for families and casual gamers looking for a challenging yet entertaining experience.

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