Bunny Kingdom (2017) Board Game

Bunny Kingdom is a board game designed by Richard Garfield, the creator of the popular card game Magic: The Gathering. Released in 2017 by IELLO, Bunny Kingdom quickly gained popularity for its unique gameplay mechanics and adorable bunny theme. The game combines elements of area majority, drafting, and strategic territory building, making it a hit among both casual and hardcore board gamers.

Game Components of Bunny Kingdom

144 Rabbit figurines

39 City figurines

1 New World board

24 Building tokens

182 Exploration cards

4 Player Aid cards

1 Rule book.

How To Setup Bunny Kingdom

To set up the game, players begin by placing the New World board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a set of rabbit figurines and places them within their designated starting area. The Exploration cards are shuffled and dealt equally among the players. Building tokens and city pieces are placed within reach of all players. The game also includes Player Aid cards to help guide players through the game. Once everything is set up, players are ready to start the first round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players draft two cards at a time, revealing them simultaneously and resolving their effects before passing their hand to the next player.

Area Control: Players aim to control territories on the board by placing their rabbit figurines.

Resource Management: Players collect and manage resources such as water, carrots, and mushrooms to build cities and increase their influence.

Building Cities: Players construct cities with different levels (1, 2, or 3) which contribute to their score.

Fief Expansion: Players expand their fiefs (groups of contiguous territories) to include various resources and cities.

End Game Bonuses: Secret cards and mission accomplishments can provide additional points at the end of the game.

Objective: The player with the most points, calculated by the number of towers in their fiefs multiplied by the number of unique resources, wins the game.

Player Experience

Playing Bunny Kingdom is an engaging and strategic experience. The game moves quickly due to the simultaneous resolution of cards, keeping all players active throughout. The tension increases with more players as territory control becomes more competitive. The game’s accessibility makes it a great introduction to drafting games, while its depth ensures it remains appealing to hobby gamers. Each round starts with few small areas of control, but as the game progresses, players build larger fiefs, connect territories, and score significant points.

Pros

Engaging and Fast-Paced: Simultaneous card resolution keeps the game moving with minimal downtime.

Strategic Depth: Combines simple drafting with complex area control and resource management.

Accessible: Easy to learn, making it a great introduction to more complex board games.

Thematic Appeal: Adorable artwork and bunny-themed components add a fun and light-hearted touch.

Replayability: Multiple paths to victory and secret end-game bonuses ensure varied gameplay experiences.

Cons

Luck of the Draw: Players can feel frustrated if they don’t receive the cards they need.

End Game Scoring: Calculating final scores, especially with parchment cards, can be time-consuming and complex.

Limited Strategies in Base Game: Without the expansion, the game may feel less strategic and less varied.

Personal Thoughts on Bunny Kingdom

Bunny Kingdom is an excellent choice for both family gamers and hobby enthusiasts. Its cute theme and easy-to-learn mechanics make it a great stepping stone for those new to drafting games, while its strategic depth keeps experienced players engaged. It’s particularly recommended for those who enjoy games like Sushi Go and Ticket to Ride but are looking for something more challenging. The addition of the expansion can significantly enhance the game by introducing more strategies and powerful cards, making it even more appealing to those seeking a richer gaming experience.

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