The Last Garden (2017) Board Game

The Last Garden is a science fiction board game designed by Beth Sobel and released in in 2017. The game is set in a post-apocalyptic world where players compete to control the last remaining garden on Earth. With a unique blend of area majority/influence, betting and bluffing, hand management, worker placement, and take that mechanics, The Last Garden offers a strategic and engaging gameplay experience.

Game Components of The Last Garden

Game board representing the garden

Robotanist tokens

Cards for shifting structures and manipulating gems

Gems for scoring and betting

How To Setup The Last Garden

To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a set of Robotanist tokens and places them on designated starting spaces on the board. The deck of cards is shuffled, and a set number of cards are dealt to each player. Gems are distributed according to the game’s rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players place their Robotanist tokens on the board to perform various actions.

Betting Mechanism: Players bet on the outcomes of their actions using gems.

Card Play: Players use cards to shift structures in the garden or manipulate gems.

Objective: The goal is to create the most beautiful garden by efficiently using Robotanists, cards, and gems to score points.

Player Experience

The game offers a fun and light strategic experience with clever betting mechanisms that keep the game interesting. Players need to balance their use of Robotanists and cards to achieve the best outcomes, making each turn a thoughtful decision.

Pros

Engaging Mechanics: The combination of worker placement and betting adds a layer of strategy.

Colorful Theme: Creating a beautiful garden makes for a visually appealing and thematic experience.

Variety in Play: The card play and gem manipulation ensure no two games are the same.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Designed for 2-4 players, which might be restrictive for larger groups.

Learning Curve: New players may need some time to understand the betting and card mechanics.

Personal Thoughts on The Last Garden

The Last Garden is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a touch of luck and betting elements. It is a great choice for families or casual game nights due to its light and fun nature. However, it may not be the best fit for those looking for complex, in-depth strategy or games that support a larger number of players.

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