Mottainai
A fast temple card game where every card is a task, a material or a finished work.
Who it's for
You love Glory to Rome or want a meaty two-player card game that finishes in half an hour. Perfect for pairs who like tough little choices.
Not for you if…
You prefer a relaxed game or find multi-use cards confusing. The first rounds can feel like a puzzle before it clicks.
Vibe's take
Fast and chewy. Every card is a tough choice, and you see your rival follow your task a turn later. The satisfaction comes from chaining works into something that clicks.
About this game
Mottainai is a quick card game from the Glory to Rome family, set in a temple where you play an acolyte. The core trick is that every card does triple duty: it can be a task that lets you act, a material you can sell for coins, or a finished work that gives you a special ability. You pick a task to perform, and your opponents then get to follow up on that same task on their next turn, so you always watch what you hand them. Clever chains of work abilities and smart selling make the difference. It plays fast but rewards careful thought, and it shines at two players, though up to five can sit around the temple.
Get it
Categories
By the numbers
Players
Duration
15–30 min
Ages 14+
Complexity
3.2 / 5 — MediumBGG Rating
6.5/10
Rank #1,315
4.7k ratings
Published
2015
Language
Heavy text
Designed by
Carl Chudyk
Published by
Ludofy Creative, 4GAMES, Asmadi Games
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