| | | | |

Forest (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Forest is a card game designed by Leo Colovini and Fabio Visintin, and published by Helvetiq in in 2017. The game revolves around the theme of collecting sets of different forest animals and trying to have the most points by the end of the game. With beautiful artwork by Sarah Bourquin, Forest has gained popularity among families and casual gamers for its easy-to-learn gameplay and engaging strategy.

Game Components of Forest

  • Deck of cards featuring various magical forest creatures such as gnomes, frogs, owls, and fairies.
  • Each card may have multiple creatures or none at all, with some cards showing only trees.

    How To Setup Forest

    To set up the game, shuffle the deck and deal three cards to each player. Decide on a first player, and you are ready to begin.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Mechanics:** Card drawing, strategic placement, and set collection.
  • Game Objective:**
    – In one version, players aim to avoid collecting cards by preventing the total number of any single creature from reaching seven or more.
    – In the other version, players compete to collect cards by strategically placing them to reach a total of seven or more of any creature type.

  • Trigger Mechanic:** When the total number of any single creature on the table reaches seven or more, the player who triggered this must take all cards with that creature.
  • Game End:** The game ends when the deck runs out, and the player with the most or least cards wins depending on the version being played.

    Player Experience

    Playing Forest is a quick and light experience, taking only about five minutes per game. The game creates a simple yet lovely tension as players try to either reach or avoid the threshold of seven creatures. The decisions, though simple, can lead to laughter, joy, and occasional frustration, especially when forced to collect unwanted cards.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn:** Simple rules make it accessible to players of all ages.
  • Quick Games:** Each game is short, allowing for multiple rounds in a short period.
  • Variety:** Two different versions of the game offer distinct strategies and experiences.
  • Family Friendly:** Enjoyable for both children and adults.

    Cons

  • Luck-Based:** The game relies heavily on the cards drawn, which can limit meaningful choices.
  • Frustration:** Being forced to collect cards in the avoidance version can be frustrating.
  • Simple Mechanics:** Some players may find the game too simplistic.

    Personal Thoughts on Forest

    Forest is ideal for families or casual gamers who enjoy light, quick games without deep strategy. It’s perfect for those who don’t want to invest too much time but still want to have fun. The game’s simplicity and short playtime make it a great addition to any game night, especially for families with younger children. However, players seeking more complex strategies may find Forest too basic for their tastes.

    We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. 

    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *