Nothing Personal (2013) Board Game

Nothing Personal is a board game released in 2013 that falls under the categories of Mafia and Negotiation. Designed by Dann May, Lucas Soriano, and Francisco Rico Torres, it offers players an engaging experience in the world of organized crime and backstabbing.

Game Components of Nothing Personal

Game board

Player boards

Character cards

Respect tokens

Action cards

Money tokens

Dice (for resolving conflicts)

Family Business Expansion (optional)

How To Setup Nothing Personal

To set up the game, each player chooses a player board and starts with a set of character cards and some respect tokens. The game board is placed in the middle of the table, and the respect track is initialized. Players also receive a starting amount of money and action cards. The setup ensures each player has the necessary components to begin their ascent in the mafia hierarchy.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Duration: The game spans five turns, each representing a year.

Respect System: Players gain respect by promoting their characters up the mafia hierarchy.

Action Cards: Players use action cards to influence the hierarchy, knock off opponents’ characters, and gain advantages.

Dice Resolution: Dice are used to resolve conflicts and determine the outcomes of certain actions.

Objective: The player with the most respect at the end of the five turns wins the game.

Player Experience

**Nothing Personal** offers a dynamic and interactive experience where players must balance short-term gains with long-term strategies. The game requires a mix of tactical decision-making and social manipulation, as players need to navigate the intricate web of alliances and rivalries within the mafia.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: The combination of action cards, respect tokens, and dice resolution creates a engaging and unpredictable gameplay experience.

Strategic Depth: Players need to plan carefully to ascend the mafia hierarchy and protect their characters.

Interactive: The game encourages player interaction, negotiation, and sometimes betrayal.

Thematic Immersion: The mafia theme is well-integrated into the game mechanics, enhancing the overall experience.

Cons

Complexity: The game may be overwhelming for new players due to the multiple mechanics and strategies involved.

Luck Element: The use of dice introduces an element of luck, which can sometimes overshadow strategic decisions.

Length: While the game is designed to last five turns, setup and learning the rules can add to the overall time commitment.

Personal Thoughts on Nothing Personal

**Nothing Personal** is ideal for fans of strategic Euro-style games and those who enjoy games with a strong social interaction component. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate complex game mechanics and are willing to invest time in learning and mastering the game. However, it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those who prefer simpler, more straightforward gameplay experiences.

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