Flourish (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Flourish is a card game designed by James A. Wilson and Clarissa A. Wilson, published by Starling Games in in 2021. With a focus on environmental and farming themes, Flourish challenges players to cultivate a thriving garden by strategically planting and growing various types of plants.

Game Components of Flourish

Cards: Beautifully illustrated cards with symbols for mid-game and end-game scoring.

Scoreboards: Each player receives a scoreboard to track their points.

Cardboard Fence Pieces: Used to separate players’ gardens.

3D Garden Walls and Standees: Included in the Signature Edition for enhanced aesthetic appeal.

Friends & Follies Expansions: Add new dimensions to the game, including cooperative and competitive modes.

Victory Point Markers: Used to keep track of scores throughout the game.

How To Setup Flourish

To set up Flourish, place a cardboard fence piece between each player, give each player a scoreboard, and deal six shuffled cards to each player. The game starts simultaneously with players drafting one card to keep and two cards to pass to their neighbors. In a two-player game, both cards are passed to the other player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players choose one card to keep and two to pass to neighbors.

Set Collection: Players collect cards to score points based on symbols and card placements.

Simultaneous Play: All players play at the same time, ensuring quick gameplay.

Scoring: Points are awarded for symbols on the cards in the player’s garden and their neighbors’ gardens.

Game Modes: Available in solo, competitive, and cooperative modes.

Objective: The goal is to build the most beautiful garden by collecting and strategically placing cards to maximize points.

Player Experience

Flourish offers a seamless and enjoyable experience for players of all ages. The game is easy to learn, with a quick setup and playtime of about 20 minutes, making it ideal for family gatherings or casual game nights. The beautiful artwork and whimsical components add to the game’s charm, while the various game modes ensure high replayability.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules that allow players to start quickly.

High Replayability: Multiple game modes and expansions keep the game fresh.

Beautiful Artwork: Whimsical and gorgeous illustrations enhance the gaming experience.

Quick Playtime: Games last about 20 minutes, perfect for a quick session.

Versatile: Supports 1-7 players in various game modes.

Cons

Overproduced Components: The Signature Edition includes a lot of extra cardboard that might not be necessary.

Complex Rulebook: Some players find the rulebook confusing and recommend careful reading of the examples.

Card Overload: The Compost variant can introduce more complexity and slow down the game slightly.

Personal Thoughts on Flourish

Flourish is an excellent addition to any board game collection, particularly for those who appreciate light, strategic games with beautiful aesthetics. It’s perfect for families, casual gamers, and even experienced players looking for a quick, engaging game. The cooperative mode adds a unique twist, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy collaborative gameplay. While the Signature Edition offers extra flair, the base game itself is plenty satisfying and recommended for its simplicity and strategic depth.

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