Forest Shuffle (2023) Board Game

Forest Shuffle is a card game released in 2023 by Lookout Games. It is designed by Kosch and features artwork by Toni Llobet and Judit Piella. The game falls under the categories of Animals, Card Game, Educational, and Environmental, making it a unique and engaging option for players interested in these themes.

Game Components of Forest Shuffle

A deck of 180 cards

1 game board

1 scoring pad

1 rule book

Eco-friendly packaging with FSC certified material and no plastic components.

How To Setup Forest Shuffle

To set up the game, each player starts with 6 cards. The deck is shuffled, and the Winter cards are placed at the bottom third of the deck. The central area, known as “the clearing,” is empty at the start. Players place their starting cards in their hand, and the game is ready to begin. There is no need for complex board setup, as the game is entirely card-based.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Count: 2-5 players

Playtime: 30-60 minutes

Objective: Gather the most valuable trees and attract species to create an ecologically balanced habitat.

Gameplay:
– Draw cards from the deck or the clearing.
– Play cards by discarding the required amount of other cards.
– Combine plants and animals for extra points and bonus actions.
– Each animal card has specific preferences for tree types or fellow species.
– Use the clearing to discard and draw cards, which is cleared when it reaches 10 cards.
– The game ends when the third Winter card is drawn from the deck.

Player Experience

Players embark on a journey to create an ecological paradise by strategically placing trees and attracting wildlife. The game requires careful hand management, as players must discard cards to play new ones, creating a dynamic where cards discarded by one player can be drawn by others. The multifunctional cards, split horizontally or vertically between different animals, add a layer of complexity and strategy. Players must balance their forest’s ecosystem to score points, learning about the unique requirements of various animal species along the way.

Pros

Eco-friendly Production: The game is made with sustainable materials, including FSC certified paper and no plastic components.

Simple yet Strategic: Easy to explain but offers depth in gameplay.

Educational: Teaches players about the balance of nature and different species’ requirements.

High Replayability: Thousands of combinations with animal and tree cards.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 10 and above.

Cons

Card Text Clarity: The text on the cards can be too small and sometimes hard to read.

Artwork Similarity: The artwork, while beautiful, can make cards look too similar, causing confusion.

Limited Depth: Some players find the game does not live up to the depth and complexity of other card combo games like *Innovation* or *Race for the Galaxy*.

Personal Thoughts on Forest Shuffle

**Forest Shuffle** is ideal for nature enthusiasts, families, and friends looking for an engaging and educational card game. While it may not compete with the complexity of some other card games, it offers a delightful and strategic experience. The game’s focus on ecological balance and its eco-friendly production make it a great choice for those who value both fun and environmental responsibility. However, it might not be the best fit for players seeking extremely deep or complex gameplay mechanics.

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.