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Bloom (2019) Board Game

Bloom is a dice game released in 2019 by Gamewright. It is designed for 1-5 players, with the best player count being 4. The game has a runtime of 20 minutes and is suitable for players aged 8 and above. Bloom falls under the category of dice games and utilizes dice rolling and paper-and-pencil mechanics.

Game Components of Bloom

  • Game sheets: Each player receives a random sheet labeled A through E, ensuring unique layouts for each player.
  • Dice: Six dice, including one clear wild die, serve as the customer pool.
  • Pen or pencil: For circling flowers on the game sheet.
  • Re-roll icon: On each game sheet, allowing for one re-roll per game.

    How To Setup Bloom

    To set up, each player takes a random game sheet and a pen or pencil. The six dice are placed in the center of the play area. The player who was most recently given a flower, or any player by mutual agreement, starts the game.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Rolling Dice: The start player rolls the six dice to create a shared pool.
  • Choosing Customers and Making Bouquets: Players take turns selecting a die and circling the corresponding number and color of flowers on their sheet. The clear die acts as a wild die, allowing players to choose any color.
  • Completing Color Sections and Garden Beds: Points are earned by completing color sections and garden beds. Completing a color section allows a player to circle the highest available number in that section, while completing a garden bed earns points based on the bed number.
  • Unhappy Customers: Players incur penalties for circling fewer or different flowers than the die value.
  • Re-roll Option: Each player can re-roll the remaining dice once per game, marked on their sheet, but this costs a point at the end.
  • Game End: The game ends when a player completes three color sections or four garden beds. Final scoring includes points from color sections, garden beds, and a bonus point for not using the re-roll.

    Player Experience

    Bloom offers a simple yet engaging experience, ideal for families and casual gamers. The game is quick, lasting about 15-20 minutes, making it a great filler game. Players must balance completing color sections and garden beds while managing the risk of unhappy customers. The game’s portability and small table presence add to its appeal as a travel game.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to a wide range of players.
  • Quick Gameplay: Games are short, perfect for a quick break or as a filler.
  • Portable: The small box and minimal components make it easy to carry.
  • Family-Friendly: Suitable for younger players due to its simple strategy and colorful design.
  • Light Strategy: Encourages strategic thinking without being overly complex.

    Cons

  • Lack of Player Interaction: There is minimal direct interaction between players.
  • Simplicity: Some players might find it too simple and lacking in depth.
  • No Distinguishing Features: It doesn’t significantly differentiate itself from other roll-and-write games.

    Personal Thoughts on Bloom

    Bloom is perfect for those seeking a light, enjoyable game that doesn’t require a significant time commitment. It’s great for families, casual gamers, and anyone looking for a quick, fun experience. While it may not offer the complexity some gamers crave, its simplicity and ease of play make it an excellent addition to any gaming collection. If you’re looking for a game that’s easy to understand and play, Bloom is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer games with deep strategy or direct player interaction, you might want to look elsewhere.

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