Arboretum (2015) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Arboretum is a card game designed by Dan Cassar and published by Filosofia Éditions in in 2015. The game has gained popularity for its unique combination of hand management, pattern building, set collection, and tile placement mechanics. The game is set in a beautiful arboretum, where players compete to create the most harmonious and valuable paths of trees.

Game Components of Arboretum

80 Cards in 10 different colors, each color featuring a different species of tree numbered 1 through 8

1 Scorepad

1 Rulebook

Artwork by Philippe Guérin, Chris Quilliams, Beth Sobel, and Waldo Ramirez

How To Setup Arboretum

To set up Arboretum, each player is dealt a hand of seven cards. The number of colors used depends on the player count. For example, in a two-player game, six colors are used, while in a four-player game, all ten colors are in play. The remaining cards are placed in a draw pile, and the game begins with each player having a personal discard pile.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:

Hand Management: Players manage their cards carefully, deciding which to play and which to discard.

Set Collection: Players collect sets of cards of the same color to create paths.

Pattern Building: Players build paths by laying cards orthogonally with increasing numerical values.

Tile Placement: Though not traditional tiles, cards are placed to form garden paths.

Game Objective:

The objective is to create the most beautiful and efficient paths through the garden.

Players draw two cards each turn, either from the deck or discard piles, lay one card to their arboretum, and discard one card.

At the end of the game, players score points for paths that start and end with the same color, with bonus points for longer, uniform paths.

Player Experience

Arboretum is a game of strategic depth hidden beneath a simple and elegant design. Players must balance their own garden’s development with careful observation of their opponents’ moves, as each card played or discarded provides crucial information. The game becomes increasingly tense as players realize the importance of each card in scoring points. The scoring mechanism can be brutal, as players who do not have the highest value in a particular color score zero points for that path, even if they have invested heavily in it.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Offers complex choices despite simple rules.

Interactive: Players must pay close attention to each other’s moves.

Quick Games: Typical gameplay lasts about 30 minutes.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and up.

Cons

Scoring Mechanism: Can be very harsh, as players can nullify others’ scores entirely.

Luck of the Draw: Players are at the mercy of the cards they draw.

Complex Scoring: Requires careful planning and tracking of cards.

Personal Thoughts on Arboretum

Arboretum is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card games with a mix of luck and strategy. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate games that require careful planning and observation of opponents. While it may not be the best fit for players seeking a purely cooperative or light-hearted experience, it is perfect for families and casual gamers looking for a game that offers depth without overwhelming complexity. The game’s unique scoring mechanism adds a layer of tension and bluffing, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a bit of strategic combat in their gameplay.

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