Nothing Personal
- Players
- 3-5
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 5 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 120 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 8+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.8 / 5
- Year
- 2013
About the game
Nothing Personal is a mafia-themed game of influence and negotiation for 3-5 players, where you work from behind the scenes to gain the most respect as the aging Capo prepares to retire. Players play influence cards to take control of gangsters, moving them up the chain of power to leverage their unique special abilities. Blackmail, bribery, and negotiation are key tools across five turns representing five years of mafia politics. The player who accumulates the most respect by the end is crowned the new Boss of Bosses.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's editorial team enjoys the layer of negotiation and hidden agenda that Nothing Personal brings to the mafia genre, elevating it above simpler area-control games. Designer Tom Vasel's influence gives it a tight, well-tested structure that rewards reading opponents as much as managing your own gangster network. The blackmail and bribery mechanics add real teeth to the negotiation, making every deal feel risky. We think it's a strong choice for groups who enjoy semi-cooperative scheming and table talk.
What we like
- Strong negotiation and blackmail mechanics create real player interaction.
- Unique gangster abilities add strategic variety.
- Five-turn structure keeps games from dragging on too long.
- Thematic mafia setting is well realized through card and role design.
Keep in mind
- Long playtime (120 minutes) with high downtime between turns.
- Heavy negotiation focus may not suit groups who prefer solitary strategy.
- Some limited available information makes deeper comparisons less certain.
Who it's for
Best for social gaming groups aged 8+ who enjoy negotiation, area influence, and light mafia-themed conflict with 3-5 players.
