Fantasy Ranch (2019) Board Game

Fantasy Ranch is a board game that was released in 2019 and designed by Anastasia Swanlund. It is set in the American West and revolves around managing a ranch with various animals. The game includes elements of area majority/influence, dice rolling, modular board, open drafting, set collection, and worker placement.

Game Components of Fantasy Ranch

Double-sided main board

Dice and tokens

Six double-sided ranch boards

Player aid/ranch mats with photos from an actual horse ranch

57 small wooden horse figures in five different colors and patterns

57 horse cards featuring photographs and game icons for the horses’ abilities and talents

Twist of fate cards

Hired hands cards

Horse show cards

How To Setup Fantasy Ranch

To set up Fantasy Ranch, each player selects a player aid/ranch mat and places it on the table. The double-sided main board is set up, and players choose which side to use based on the game mode they are playing (Trail Ride or Fantasy Ranch). Each player receives a starting set of resources and horse cards. The horse figures, tokens, and other components are placed within reach of all players. The game boards and cards are shuffled and distributed according to the specific rules of the chosen game mode.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Modes: Trail Ride and Fantasy Ranch, each with beginner, intermediate, and advanced rules.

Trail Ride: Roll-and-move mechanism where players collect horses and resources while navigating terrain and participating in horse shows.

Fantasy Ranch: Played over five rounds where players buy horses, buy new locations on their ranch board, or collect resources. A horse show is held at the end of each round, with players rolling dice based on their horses’ talents.

Resource Collection: Players collect resources to purchase horses, ranch locations, and other assets.

Horse Shows: Players compete in horse shows by rolling dice, with the outcome determined by the talents of their horses.

Twist of Fate Cards: Provide secret ways to score points.

Hired Hands: Temporary abilities or bonuses.

Area Control: Control of ranch boards can shift based on the size of the player’s herd.

Player Experience

Fantasy Ranch offers a flexible and engaging experience for a wide range of players, from children as young as 5 to adults. The game’s design allows for different levels of complexity, making it accessible and challenging for various skill levels. The passion of the designers, who are horse enthusiasts, is evident in the detailed components and the real-life horse ranch profiles included in the game. This passion enhances the enjoyment, even for those who may not be horse enthusiasts, and can inspire players to learn more about horses.

Pros

High-Quality Components: Top-notch production with charming wooden horse figures and detailed horse cards.

Flexible Game Modes: Accommodates players of all ages and skill levels.

Deep Strategic Depth: Introduces new mechanics as players progress through the levels.

Educational Element: Teaches about horses and their care.

Family-Friendly: Great for entire families to enjoy together.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for very young players without guidance.

Setup Time: Setting up the game can take some time due to the numerous components.

Luck Factor: Rolling dice in horse shows introduces an element of luck, which some players may find frustrating.

Personal Thoughts on Fantasy Ranch

Fantasy Ranch is an excellent choice for families, horse enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a game that combines strategy with a touch of luck. The game’s flexibility allows it to be enjoyed by a broad age range, making it a versatile addition to any game collection. While it may appeal most to those with an interest in horses, the game’s engaging mechanics and high-quality components ensure that it remains enjoyable even for those without prior knowledge of horse care.

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