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Botany (2024) Board Game

ByMichail

Botany is a board game released in 2024 by Dux Somnium Games. It is designed as an educational adventure game that combines elements of humor and travel with a focus on botany. The game is suitable for 1-5 players, with the ideal player count being 3. Players will embark on a botanical journey, learning about different plant species, and exploring the natural world.

Game Components of Botany

  • Game Board**
  • 5 Unique Estate Boards**
  • 105 Specimen Cards**
  • 10 Wardian Cases**
  • 5 Botanical Presses**
  • 5 Conservatory Cards**
  • 10 Orangery Cards**
  • 5 Poisonous Path Cards**
  • 76 Event Cards**
  • 50 Expedition Cards**
  • 12 Character Cards**
  • 5 Player Reference Cards**
  • 7 Scoring Bonus Cards**
  • 90 Cardboard Tokens**
  • 2 Dice**
  • 10 Wooden Pawns**
  • 1 Queen’s Prize in Botany Card**.

    How To Setup Botany

    To set up Botany, each player starts with a pawn at their estate in England, an estate board, a Wardian case, a Botanical press, and a special character card. Players also receive a starting hand of specimen cards which indicate the locations around the world where they need to travel to collect specific plants. The game board is laid out to show various locations, and the reputation track is set up to monitor players’ progress. Players begin with 10 coins to cover travel costs.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective: Collect and return botanical specimens to your estate to earn the most points and win the Queen’s Prize in Botany.
  • Turn Structure: Draw an event card (optional), move to a location on the board, collect specimens, manage expedition funds, and overcome events.
  • Specimen Collection: Players move to locations specified on their specimen cards to collect plants, which can be stored in the Wardian case or pressed in the Botanical press.
  • Event Cards: These can have positive or negative effects and are drawn at the beginning of the turn or when players move to certain locations.
  • Character Abilities: Each player has a special character with unique abilities.
  • Reputation Track: Players track their reputation, aiming to be the first to reach 12 points to trigger endgame scoring.

    Player Experience

    Playing Botany is an immersive experience with beautiful Victorian-era artwork and detailed illustrations of real plants. The game combines strategy with a significant element of randomness due to event cards and specimen draws. Players need to manage their funds, specimens, and travel efficiently to succeed. The game offers various paths to victory, making each playthrough unique.

    Pros

  • Beautiful Artwork: The game features exquisite Victorian-era illustrations and high-quality components.
  • Immersive Theme: Players are transported to the world of Victorian plant hunters.
  • Simple to Learn: The game has a straightforward rule system, making it easy for new players to join.
  • Replayability: Randomized goals and different paths to victory ensure each game is fresh and fun.
  • Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above.

    Cons

  • High Randomness: The game relies heavily on random events and specimen draws, which can lead to runaway leaders and less strategic gameplay.
  • Limited Interplayer Interaction: Players have minimal interaction with each other, which can make the game feel solitary.
  • Potential for Boredom: Some players find the gameplay loop repetitive and not engaging enough.
  • Arbitrary Rules: Some rules, such as the assignment of negative values to certain plants, can feel counterintuitive.

    Personal Thoughts on Botany

    Botany is ideal for those who appreciate a thematic and visually stunning game, particularly botany enthusiasts and fans of Victorian-era settings. While it may not offer the deep strategic depth that some players crave, it provides a fun and unique experience with a good balance of luck and strategy. It’s a great choice for family game nights or casual gatherings, but may not be the best fit for players seeking highly strategic or competitive gameplay.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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