Planted Board Game Review: A Must-Play Game For Plant Lovers

Sometimes, you crave a board game that immerses you in complex strategies and dynamic interactions. Other times, you want something straightforward and engaging, perfect for a relaxed evening with friends or family. “Planted” falls into the latter Board games category, offering a delightful blend of simplicity and strategy that plant lovers and casual gamers alike will appreciate.

Introduction to Planted

Planted Board Game is a card drafting game designed by Phil Walker-Harding, the same creative mind behind the beloved game “Sushi Go!”. In “Planted,” the objective is to grow the most bountiful collection of houseplants by collecting the necessary resources. While the game incorporates strategic elements, it’s far less involved than more complex games like “Star Wars Villainous” or “Funkoverse: Squid Game.” This makes “Planted” an excellent choice for a light-hearted yet engaging gaming experience.

Design and Components

The first thing that captures your attention in “Planted” is its exquisite artwork, masterfully crafted by Hannah Bailey. The game’s aesthetic is earthy and vibrant, with a pastel color palette that is soothing to the eyes. The game box, adorned with lush plant illustrations, is just a precursor to the beauty that lies within.

Inside the box are a main board, five individual player boards, a deck of Plant cards, Resource and Item cards, and five canvas bags filled with various tokens. The main board is sturdy and flat, while the individual player boards have a slight wobble due to their design. Although this is a minor inconvenience, it doesn’t significantly affect gameplay.

The Planted Board game is larger than standard playing cards, making them easy to handle and allowing players to appreciate the detailed illustrations fully. On the other hand, the Resource cards are the size of regular playing cards. The tokens, representing various resources, are slightly thicker than typical game pieces and easy to pick up and manipulate. Among these, the Water token—a blue droplet made from a resin-like material—is particularly charming. The only drawback is the lack of a dedicated holder for these tokens during gameplay, which could have streamlined the setup and cleanup process.

Setup and Gameplay

Setting up “Planted” is straightforward and quick, even for first-time players. The main board is unfolded, and each player receives a player board. The Resource, Item, and Planted Board games are sorted, shuffled, and placed in designated spots on the main board. Each player is dealt a Beginner Plant card, with the remaining Beginner Plant cards set aside. Four Plant cards are drawn and placed in the Nursery Row, where players can acquire new plants during the game.

“Planted” is played over four rounds to accumulate the most points by the end of the fourth round. Each round begins with players drawing six Resource cards and two Item cards. Players then choose cards to play, placing them face down before passing the remaining cards to the next player. The direction of the card passing alternates each round, adding a layer of strategy.

During their turn, players can use Resource cards to gain Light, Water, or Plant Food, play Item cards to add tools or decorations to their setup or discard a card to acquire a new plant from the Nursery Row. The game’s strategic element lies in managing resources effectively to feed plants, represented by placing Growth tokens on Plant cards. Players feed their plants using collected resources at the end of each round, earning points for each successfully grown plant.

Strategy and Replayability

Despite its simplicity, “Planted” offers a well-balanced gameplay experience. Winning often hinges on a player’s ability to adapt to available resources and make the most of their cards. For example, if you can’t find Plant Food cards, you might focus on plants that require only Water or Light. The game also rewards players for collecting decorations, which add to their point total at the end.

One of the game’s strengths is its replayability. Each game can feel different with 42 unique Plant cards, providing a fresh experience each time you play. Additionally, the game allows for customization. Players can adjust the rules to increase complexity by increasing the number of plants each player can grow or the number of rounds.

Verdict

“Planted” is a beautifully designed, easy-to-learn game that offers endless enjoyment, especially for plant enthusiasts. Its simple rules make it accessible for players of all ages, while the strategic elements keep it engaging. The game’s artwork is a visual treat, making the gameplay experience even more enjoyable.

While the Planted Board game may not be the most complex on your shelf, it holds a special charm with its blend of strategy and simplicity. Its balance of beautiful design, straightforward gameplay, and strategic depth ensures that you’ll keep returning to it, making it a must-play game for plant lovers and casual gamers alike.

In conclusion, “Planted” offers a refreshing and captivating gaming experience. Its gorgeous artwork and simple yet strategic gameplay make it an excellent choice for a relaxed and enjoyable game night. If you’re a fan of plants or simply looking for a new game to add to your collection, “Planted” is worth considering.

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