Nippon (2015) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Nippon is a board game released in 2015, designed by Mariano Iannelli and published by What’s Your Game?. It falls into the categories of Economic and Industry/Manufacturing games, where players compete to build the most successful business empire in Japan during the Meiji era.

Game Components of Nippon

Game board featuring a map of Japan divided into 4 regions

48 workers of different colors

City tiles for each region

Factory tiles for six types of goods (silk, paper, bento, lenses, clocks, and light bulbs)

Reward tiles with VP multipliers and bonuses

Player boards for tracking budget, ships, trains, coal, money, and knowledge

Contract tiles and blueprint tiles

Black cubes for tracking resources and finances

Machinery tiles and additional blueprints.

How To Setup Nippon

To set up the game, place the game board on the table and position the scoring marker on the leftmost slot of the scoring track. Randomly draw three workers from a bag and place them on each of the action spaces on the board. Sort and place the reward tiles according to their VP multipliers and bonuses. Shuffle and randomly place city tiles on each city slot. Organize factory tiles by the type of goods they produce and place them next to the board. Each player receives a player board, 12,000 yen, two coal, and initial placements on the coal, money, and knowledge tracks. Players also get a set of contract tiles, influenced tiles, and a blueprint tile. Finally, determine the starting player, who begins with ten victory points, and each subsequent player starts with one more victory point than the previous player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Selection Mechanism: Players choose a worker from one of the action spaces on the board, performing the associated action (Knowledge, Production, Exporting, Investing, Mining, Shipping, Machinery, or Supplying Local Markets).

Worker Management: Players must manage their workers, as having too many different colors can be costly during consolidation.

Factory Building: Players build and improve factories to produce goods and supply local markets or fulfill external contracts.

Area Majority: Players compete for influence in different regions of Japan, scoring points based on their dominance.

Scoring: The game includes three scoring rounds, with additional points awarded for personal achievements at the end.

Player Experience

Nippon offers a multifaceted and engaging experience, balancing strategic depth with manageable turn choices. Players must navigate the complexities of industrialization, managing resources, and making tactical decisions about which actions to take and when to consolidate their finances. The game is fast-paced, reflecting the rapid industrialization of Japan during the Meiji period, and it requires players to think about their opponents’ moves and the timing of scorings.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Multiple layers of strategy without overwhelming players.

Worker Management Tension: The need to manage worker colors adds a fun and challenging element.

Historical Theme: The game is set during a significant period in Japanese history, adding a unique thematic layer.

Cons

Complexity: While not overwhelming, the game still has a steep learning curve for new players.

Component Quality: Some components, like the use of black cubes for various tracks, could be improved for better distinction.

Theme Engagement: The theme may not draw in players unless they have an affinity for the Meiji period of Japan.

Personal Thoughts on Nippon

Nippon is ideal for fans of heavy euro games who enjoy strategic planning and resource management. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate games like Vinhos or Zhan Guo but are looking for something less complex and faster to play. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its depth and the time required to understand the mechanics fully. For those who enjoy a mix of area control, worker placement, and economic management, Nippon offers a rich and engaging gaming experience.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.