Harvest (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Harvest is a board game released in 2017 that combines elements of fantasy and farming. Designed by Rob Lundy and Adam P. McIver, the game is published by Tasty Minstrel Games and is suitable for 2 to 4 players aged 14 and above. With a runtime of 30 to 75 minutes, Harvest offers a strategic gameplay experience with mechanics such as open drafting, variable player powers, and worker placement.

Game Components of Harvest

Player boards and characters, each with unique abilities

Field tiles

Vegetable tokens

Building cards with passive abilities and end-game scoring bonuses

Initiative cards with numbers and resources

Resource tokens (seeds, wooden tokens, etc.)

Action cards

How To Setup Harvest

To set up Harvest, players start by selecting their player boards and characters, each of which has distinct abilities. The game area is prepared by laying out the field tiles, building cards, and initiative cards. Each player receives a random initiative card at the beginning, which determines the turn order and provides resources. The game is ready to start once all players have their starting resources and the building market is set up.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Worker Placement: Players place their workers to perform actions such as planting, tending, and harvesting vegetables.

Initiative System: Initiative cards determine the turn order and provide additional resources and bonuses.

Resource Management: Players manage resources like seeds and wooden tokens to perform actions.

Character Abilities: Unique abilities for each player character that influence gameplay.

Building Placement: Public selection of buildings that offer passive abilities and end-game scoring.

Game Objective

The goal is to accumulate the most points by growing and harvesting vegetables efficiently.

Players must balance short-term actions with long-term strategies to maximize points.

Player Experience

Harvest offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience with a blend of tactical and strategic thinking. The unique character abilities and initiative system keep the game engaging and require players to adapt to new information each round. The game is relatively short, lasting about 30 minutes, making it a quick and fun experience.

Pros

Unique Character Abilities: Each character provides a different playstyle, adding replayability.

Initiative System: Keeps the turn order fluid and adds an extra layer of strategy.

Resource Management: Engaging system where harvested plants serve as currency.

Short Playtime: Quick games that can be played multiple times in one session.

Light yet Engaging Mechanics: Suitable for those who want a game that requires thought but is not overly complex.

Cons

Random Elements: Can limit the level of planning and mastery.

Modest Goals: May not be as complex or ambitious as other Euro-style games.

Limited Deep Strategy: The game’s design focuses on light, interesting decisions rather than deep, complex strategies.

Personal Thoughts on Harvest

Harvest is an excellent game for those who enjoy worker placement and resource management but prefer a lighter, more accessible experience. It is ideal for casual gamers and families due to its short playtime and easy-to-learn mechanics. However, for players seeking a more complex, deeply strategic game, Harvest might not fully satisfy their cravings. Nonetheless, its unique character abilities and initiative system make it a delightful addition to any board game collection.

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