Growing Season (2021) Board Game

Growing Season is a card game designed by Pablo M. Collar and released in in 2021. It falls under the categories of economic and farming games, where players take on the role of farmers trying to maximize their harvests. The game is designed for 1-4 players, with a recommended age of 8 and above.

Game Components of Growing Season

250 standard-sized cards

5 double-sided boards

68 cardboard coins

20 wooden discs

2 instruction manuals (Spanish and English)

Cardboard cradle

2 zip bags

How To Setup Growing Season

To set up Growing Season, players start by preparing the basic components. The game includes multiple game modes and small expansions, but it is recommended to begin with the core components. Each player chooses a board and receives a set of starting cards and resources. The detailed setup process is straightforward and designed to be accessible to all ages.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players select cards to build their deck.

Deck Construction: Players construct their deck throughout the game.

Market: Players interact with a market mechanism to manage resources.

Resource to Move: Players use resources to take actions.

Objective: The goal is to manage and grow your own farm efficiently, using money as the primary resource, and expanding your operations as the game progresses.

Player Experience

Growing Season is designed to be simple yet engaging, making it accessible for players as young as 8 years old while still offering depth for more experienced players. The game supports 1-4 players, with 2 players being the ideal number. A typical game lasts about 40 minutes. The game’s simplicity and dynamic gameplay ensure that younger players can enjoy it without difficulty, while experienced players find enough challenge to keep them engaged.

Pros

Accessible Gameplay: Easy to learn and play, making it suitable for all ages.

Dynamic Gameplay: The game becomes more complex as it progresses, offering a growing challenge.

Simple Resource Management: Uses a single resource (money) to avoid complexity.

Colorful and Engaging Art: Illustrated by Pablo M. Collar, adding a vibrant and appealing visual element.

Cons

Limited Artistic Initial Phase: The game’s early prototypes had rudimentary art, though this was improved significantly with professional illustrations.

User Rating Discrepancy: Despite a high rank on Board Game Geek, the user rating is lower, indicating some mixed opinions.

Personal Thoughts on Growing Season

Growing Season is perfect for those looking for an introductory farming and resource management game. It’s great for families or for players who want a quick, engaging game that doesn’t require hours of setup or complex rules. The game’s ability to scale in complexity as the game progresses makes it appealing to both new and experienced players. If you’re a fan of farming simulations and card games, Growing Season offers a delightful and accessible experience.

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