Nippon

2-4

Players

120

Minutes

12+

Age

2015

Published

Designer Nuno Bizarro Sentieiro , Paulo Soledade
Publisher What's Your Game? , asmodee , Ghenos Games , hobbity.eu
Illustration Mariano Iannelli

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What to Expect

Players control powerful Zaibatsu conglomerates in Meiji-era Japan, investing in industries, advancing technology, and expanding influence across the islands. Strategic decisions about industry development and trade shape the path to economic dominance. The game features fast-paced economic gameplay with challenging choices in a rich historical setting.

Who Is This Game For?

Nippon is suited for experienced players who enjoy complex economic and strategy games. With a playtime around 120 minutes and a recommended age of 12+, it demands patience and strategic planning. Familiarity with area majority and variable phase order mechanics helps with learning.

How It Works

Using Area Majority to determine control of regions and Variable Phase Order for flexible action sequencing, players invest in industries and expand their power base. Timing and resource management are key as players compete to dominate the Japanese market through a dynamic gameplay flow.

Area Majority / Influence Variable Phase Order

What Makes It Special

Nippon was nominated in 2015 for several awards, including Board Game Quest Awards Best Strategy/Euro Game and Golden Geek Best Strategy Board Game. Designed by Nuno Bizarro Sentieiro and Paulo Soledade, it combines a historical industrial revolution theme with strategic area majority mechanics and a unique variable phase order.

Awards

Nominated
2016

Nominated
2015

2016 Cardboard Republic Tactician Laurel — Nominated
2015 Board Game Quest Awards Best Strategy/Euro Game — Nominated
2015 Jocul Anului în România Advanced — Finalist
2015 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated

Pro

Historically grounded Meiji-era Japan setting
Strategic depth through Area Majority and Variable Phase Order
Multiple 2015 award nominations including Golden Geek
About 120 minutes playtime for an extended experience

Contra

Requires strategic understanding and patience
Not suited for short gaming sessions
Age 12+ limits suitability for younger families

Setting & Atmosphäre

Set in Meiji-period Japan, a time of rapid industrialization and modernization, players lead Zaibatsu conglomerates shaping the nation's economic future.

Tipp für Einsteiger

Focus first on mastering the influence mechanics and watch the variable phase order to optimize your action timing.

Häufige Fragen

Can I play this solo?

Nippon is designed for 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.

How long does a game really take?

A typical game lasts about 120 minutes, typical for an extended strategy game.

What prior experience do I need?

Experience with economic strategy games and mechanics like Area Majority is beneficial.

How does this compare to similar games?

Nippon combines Meiji-era theme with variable phase order and area majority, offering strategic flexibility.

Is this suitable for families?

With a minimum age of 12 and high complexity, Nippon is better suited for experienced players.

What mechanic makes it special?

The Variable Phase Order allows flexible sequencing of actions, significantly impacting strategy.

Fazit

Nippon is recommended for players seeking complex economic strategy with historical depth. It suits those who enjoy making quick, meaningful decisions in a challenging competitive environment.