Nippon
- Players
- 2-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 120 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 12+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.8 / 5
- Year
- 2015
About the game
Nippon casts players as Zaibatsu conglomerates guiding Japan's rapid industrialization during the Meiji era. Investing in new industries, shipping goods abroad, and satisfying local demand, players expand their influence across the Japanese islands. The variable phase order keeps every round unpredictable, forcing players to plan around shifting priorities. It's a meaty economic euro themed around a genuinely fascinating slice of history.
Hobbli's Notes
Nippon is a dense, satisfying economic puzzle for players who like their euros heavy and their theme well-integrated. The variable phase order adds a layer of tension that keeps even experienced players on their toes round to round. It demands real commitment, both in playtime and mental bandwidth, but rewards patient planners with a rich engine-building experience.
What we like
- Rich economic engine with meaningful long-term planning.
- Variable phase order keeps strategy dynamic each round.
- Strong historical theme tied closely to mechanics.
- High player interaction through area majority scoring.
Keep in mind
- Long playtime and high complexity limit casual play.
- Significant downtime between turns in larger groups.
- Steep learning curve for new euro players.
Who it's for
Best for experienced euro-gamers, ages 14+, in groups of 3-4, ready to commit two hours to a demanding economic strategy game.
