Sequoia (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Sequoia is a board game that was released in in 2020. It is designed by Anca Gavril and Daniel Profiri, with artwork by BoardGameTables.com. The game falls into the categories of dice and environmental, and it incorporates gameplay mechanics such as area majority/influence, dice rolling, and simultaneous action selection. With a playing time of around 10 minutes, Sequoia is suitable for players aged 6 and above.

Game Components of Sequoia

Dice: 5 dice per player, each with standard numbering.

Tree Tokens: 20 tokens per player, colored and shaped to distinguish between players.

Forest Cards: 11 oversized cards with different forest scenes, numbered 2-12.

1st and 2nd Place Tokens: Randomly assigned to each forest card, determining scoring.

Negative Point Tokens: Included in the mini expansion for additional gameplay complexity.

How To Setup Sequoia

To set up Sequoia, lay out the 11 forest cards on the table, ensuring they are within reach of all players. Randomly assign a 1st and 2nd place token to each card. Each player selects a color and receives 5 dice and 20 tree tokens. This setup is quick and straightforward, making the game ready to begin in no time.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay: Players roll their 5 dice secretly and create two pairs from the rolled dice, summing up the values of each pair. These pairs determine which forest cards players can place their tree tokens on.

Rounds: The game consists of 10 rounds, with players rolling, forming pairs, and placing tokens each round.

Scoring: After all tokens are placed, the player with the most tokens on a forest card wins the 1st place token, and the player with the second-most tokens wins the 2nd place token. Ties are resolved through additional rounds.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most points by winning 1st and 2nd place tokens across all forest cards.

Player Experience

Sequoia offers a fast-paced and engaging experience, perfect for those who enjoy strategic games with a touch of luck. The simultaneous dice rolling and secret pair formation add an element of bluffing and unpredictability. Players must balance competing directly for high-value spaces and spreading their tokens to maximize points. The game’s short playtime and simple rules make it accessible to a wide range of players, from children as young as 6 to experienced gamers looking for a quick filler game.

Pros

Fast and Simple: Quick setup and gameplay, lasting about 10-15 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Requires balancing direct competition and strategic token placement.

High-Quality Components: Thick cardstock, chunky tokens, and clear dice ensure durability and visibility.

Portable: Small box and lightweight design make it easy to carry and play anywhere.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 6 and above, promoting player interaction and visual strategy.

Cons

Luck Element: Dice rolling introduces randomness, which may not appeal to players seeking purely strategic games.

Limited Player Count: Base game is designed for 2-5 players, though a mini expansion allows for up to 6 players.

Personal Thoughts on Sequoia

Sequoia is an excellent addition to any game collection, particularly for those looking for a quick, fun, and strategic game. It’s ideal for families, casual gamers, and even experienced players seeking a filler game that still offers depth. The game’s ability to balance luck and strategy, along with its high-quality components and portable design, makes it a standout in its category. If you’re looking for a game that combines simplicity with engaging gameplay, Sequoia is definitely worth considering.

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