Nothing Personal

Mafia backroom politics: play influence cards, control gangsters and be the one with the most respect.

Designers: Tom Vasel, Stephen Avery
Published by: Dice Tower Games
Editions by: Game Salute

The old Capo is getting ready to retire, and you suspect it is time to move behind the scenes. Nothing Personal is a mafia game for three to five in which five turns stand for five years, and the winner is whoever collects the most respect. You play influence cards to take control of gangsters and push them up the chain of power. Every position and every gangster has its own ability, so who you control matters as much as how high they climb. Dice, take-that blows, bribery and blackmail turn the table into a smoky backroom with a lot of talking. Think a political majority game in a pinstripe suit. About two hours, best with four or five.

Five turns equal five years in the familyEvery gangster has a unique abilityBribery, blackmail and negotiation

Who it's for

You like mafia themes and games with scheming, negotiation and take-that, and you have three to five people who enjoy a long, talky session.

Not for you if…

You want a short, calm game or dislike getting targeted by other players. It takes about two hours and punishes passive play.

Vibe's take

Scheming and chatty, with deals that never feel quite safe. Control of a gangster can flip, a bribe can undo a plan, and the table stays suspicious from the first turn to the last.