Michael

Descrizione

Michael is a cooperative board game in which players take on the role of psychiatrists trying to help a man named Michael, afflicted by 24 distinct personalities vying for control of his actions. Each session plays out like a dialogue-based encounter, with players role-playing the personalities, managing clues, and carefully allocating limited resources to keep stress levels under control. The theme is unusual and narrative-driven, making it a game suited to those who enjoy discussion, deduction, and teamwork, while avoiding traditional combat or deep gameplay.

How to play Michael

Michael unfolds in several rounds, called “Sessions,” in which the group engages with different parts of Michael’s psyche. Players use cards and shared decision-making to respond to requests, interpret cues, and track the evolution of Michael’s stress and needs. Success depends on coordinating actions, choosing which personality threads to follow, and deciding when to move forward or regroup.

What drives the game

This game is important because it’s not so much about points as it is about conversation. Rather than a strict win/loss outcome, the experience is shaped by how the table navigates the emotional tension, limited information, and narratives that emerge throughout the game. There’s constant interaction, face-to-face discussion after every choice. Unexpected interpretations can often emerge that change the fortunes of the entire group.

Our team’s experience

Michael seemed ideal for players who enjoy bringing the narrative to life together, all while gradually revealing things. We’ve noticed that groups willing to engage verbally and think aloud benefit more than those expecting a tactical game. It’s the kind of game where you feel like a co-creator of a story—subtle, thoughtful, and very different from classic Euro or party games.