Side Effects Game
5/5 (1 Reviews)Introduction to Side Effects
Side Effects is a strategic take-that card game developed by Pillbox Games, designed to immerse players in a darkly humorous and tactical experience. Nominated for the SXSW Gamer's Voice Award, it combines elements of cunning, luck, and player interaction, making it a standout choice for game nights. Suitable for 2 to 8 players aged 14 and up, the game takes approximately 10 to 30 minutes to play and is praised for its ease of learning and depth of strategy.
Gameplay Mechanics
Core Components
The game features four main card types:
Disorder Cards: Represent mental health conditions with unique punishments if left untreated.
Drug Cards: Used to treat specific disorders but open the player to new side effects (additional disorders).
Therapy Cards: Allow players to remove disorders without risking side effects, though they may return.
Episode Cards: Trigger punishments on opponents' untreated disorders, adding a layer of sabotage.
The deck includes 89 beautifully illustrated, tarot-sized cards, with a linen finish and a rulebook styled as a vintage prescription booklet for thematic immersion.
How to Play
Players take turns drawing cards from a shared deck, aiming to find the right Drug or Therapy cards to treat their disorders. Each Drug card lists side effects, making the player vulnerable to new disorders from opponents. Episode cards can be played to trigger punishments, such as forcing a player to discard cards or lose their turn, based on untreated disorders. Bargaining is allowed, but players are limited to playing no more than two cards per turn and cannot play cards out of turn. The game ends when one player successfully treats all their disorders or when only one sick loser remains.
Conclusion
Side Effects is a compelling blend of strategy, risk, and dark humor, offering a unique gaming experience that stands out in the take-that genre. Its accessible rules, deep strategic options, and gorgeous artwork make it a must-try for fans of competitive card games.\
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