Side Effects is a card game that boldly tackles the theme of mental health while offering a fast, fun, and tactical experience for 2 to 8 players.
In Side Effects, players take on the roles of individuals dealing with various mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and others. The goal of the game is to treat all the conditions in your “psyche” by using appropriate medications and therapies. Each condition has its own effects, which can be triggered if left untreated or if an opponent plays specific cards to activate them.
Each player begins with four Condition cards placed face-up and four cards in hand. Players use Medication or Therapy cards to treat their conditions. However, using certain medications may introduce side effects, making the player vulnerable to new conditions that opponents can assign to them. Special cards allow players to trigger negative effects on opponents’ conditions if those are not properly treated.
The game encourages strong player interaction, as players can negotiate, trade cards, or even pressure others for personal advantage. The game ends when one player successfully treats all their conditions.
Side Effects is a game that blends humor, strategy, and a unique theme, making it an unforgettable experience for players seeking something different within the board‑gaming world. 💊
