Bamboo (2023) Board Game – Board Game Guys

The Bamboo board game was released in 2023 and quickly gained popularity among players due to its unique blend of abstract strategy, fantasy, and farming themes. Designed by Germán P. Millán and illustrated by Jonatan Cantero, Bamboo offers a fresh take on traditional board game mechanics, making it a must-have for fans of the genre.

Game Components of Bamboo

Player boards

Bamboo pieces with various action symbols and a wildcard star symbol

Incense sticks

Home tiles

Balance contracts

Food tokens

Coin tokens

Spirit tiles

Gift tokens

Central balance tiles

Player mats

How To Setup Bamboo

To set up Bamboo, each player prepares their player mat by placing three incense sticks, an action marker, and a happiness counter. Each player starts with a central balance tile and three coins. Players then draft two extra bamboo pieces to add to their board. The bamboo pieces with a pot icon are placed in the matching colored temple space on the player mat, and any remaining pieces are mixed and distributed. A random player is assigned the first player marker, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Selection: Players use bamboo pieces to take actions such as taking food, coins, or home improvement tiles.

Tile Placement: Players place tiles in their homes to score points, with a focus on balancing comfort values between the left and right sections.

Incense Mechanism: Players make offerings at temples using incense sticks to take actions.

Seasonal Phases: The game is divided into four rounds, each with four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter).

Objective: The goal is to increase happiness by balancing home tiles, completing balance contracts, and managing resources while coexisting with forest spirits.

Player Experience

Bamboo offers a unique blend of strategy and luck. Players must manage their bamboo supply, choose actions wisely, and balance their home tiles to avoid penalties. The game has a delightful artwork and a compact box size, making it appealing for lighter gamers. However, it may lack the depth and crunchiness that heavier gamers might seek.

Pros

Unique Action System: The bamboo action system is innovative and engaging.

Comfort Balancing Mechanism: The need to balance comfort values adds a layer of strategy and puzzle-solving.

Delightful Artwork: The game features beautiful, lighthearted artwork.

Compact Box Size: The game is well-packaged in a medium-sized box.

Cons

Luck of the Draw: The availability of certain tiles can be based on luck, which may affect strategy.

Forgettable Experience: Some players find the game forgettable and lacking a special element.

Steep Learning Curve for Summer Phase: The summer phase, where most actions are taken, can be less intuitive and require several turns to understand.

Personal Thoughts on Bamboo

Bamboo is well-suited for lighter gamers who enjoy a different puzzle and a competitive experience without the complexity of heavier games. For those who prefer more substantial games, the advanced variant or other games in the Kemushi Saga, like Bitoku, might be more appealing. Despite some shortcomings, Bamboo remains a unique release with a beautiful theme and artwork, making it a good choice for those looking for a medium-weight Euro-style game.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.