Mottainai — Price & soundtrack

4GAMES, Asmadi Games, Ludofy Creative · Board game · 2015
7.5 Ludopedia 7.0 BGG 2–5 · best 2 15–30 min Weight 3.2/5
Buy · from US$ 10.49
7.5 rating Ludopedia
7.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

A fast-paced, strategic card game that lives up to its name: nothing goes to waste! Perfect for fans of hand management and tough choices.

Highlights
  • Multi-use card decisions
  • Fast gameplay pace
  • Engaging oriental theme
  • Surprising strategic depth
Keep in mind
  • Watch out for opponents' moves
  • Slight learning curve
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Ever heard the concept that nothing should be wasted? That's exactly what Mottainai brings to the table! The name, derived from Japanese, carries this spirit of valuing every detail, and the game truly lives up to its title. If you enjoy fast-paced card games that don't settle for shallow strategy, you've just found a treasure. In Mottainai, you take on the role of a monk in a Buddhist temple, and your mission is to manage daily tasks to serve visitors. But don't let the apparent simplicity fool you: here, every card is a multi-functional tool. A single card can be used to perform a task, collect materials, or even be sold to complete a work. This creates a constant dilemma: do you use this card now to advance your strategy, or do you save it for a better opportunity? Additionally, the game has a touch of strategic cunning: you can choose actions that other players can also 'follow' on their next turn. It's a game of planning, where timing is everything. You need to balance material collection, completing works, and managing your hand so that nothing goes to waste. It's a deep experience, with layers of strategy that challenge even the most experienced players, yet it flows so quickly that you won't even notice the time passing. If you enjoy games with oriental themes and polished hand management mechanics, get ready for a challenge worthy of a Zen master.

Expansions

Published additional content

1 items

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

4 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–5 players
2 BEST
3 REC
4 OK
5 OK

Soundtrack

Ambience suggested by Melodice

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Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Components: Multi-Use Cards Country: Japan Digital Implementations: Yucata Mechanism: Tableau Building Religious: Buddhism Theme: Temple
Publisher 4GAMES, Asmadi Games, Ludofy Creative
Designer Carl Chudyk
Artist Alanna Cervenak

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

8,628owners
1,382wishlist
172want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How long does a game take?
It's super fast! Usually between 15 to 30 minutes.
How many players can play?
You can play with 2 to 5 players, making it great for small groups.
What is the complexity level?
It's a medium-weight game; easy to learn, but hard to master.
What does the name Mottainai mean?
It means 'don't waste', reflecting the philosophy of making the most of every resource.
Do I need any extra components?
Nope, the game is focused on the cards and player interaction.

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