Harvest Time (1980) Board Game

Harvest Time is a children’s board game designed by Jim Deacove and published by Arbetskooperativet Spelverket in in 1980. The game revolves around the theme of farming and cooperative play, making it a great choice for families and young children. With dice rolling and tile placement mechanics, players work together to harvest crops and feed the animals on the farm.

Game Components of Harvest Time

Game board

Dice

Crop and animal tiles

Farmer tokens

Harvest baskets

How To Setup Harvest Time

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the crop and animal tiles and place them face down.

Each player chooses a farmer token and places it on the starting space.

Roll the dice to determine who goes first.

Start the game with the youngest player and take turns in a clockwise direction.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Harvest Time, players work together to harvest crops and feed the animals on the farm before winter comes. By rolling the dice and strategically placing tiles, players can collect resources and complete tasks. The game objective is to collaborate with fellow players to gather enough food for all the animals on the farm before the winter season arrives.

Player Experience

Pros:

Cooperative gameplay promotes teamwork and communication skills.

Simple rules and mechanics make it easy for young children to learn and play.

Educational aspects of farming and resource management.

Cons:

Limited replay value for older players.

Luck-based gameplay may not appeal to more strategic players.

Game may be too simplistic for experienced board gamers.

Personal Thoughts on Harvest Time

As a children’s game, Harvest Time excels in providing a fun and educational experience for young players. The cooperative nature of the game encourages teamwork and communication, making it a great choice for families. While the game may lack depth for more experienced gamers, its simplicity and accessibility make it a valuable addition to any family game night. The build quality of the game components is sturdy and durable, ensuring longevity for repeated plays. With its affordable pricing and availability in both new and used markets, Harvest Time is definitely worth considering for families with young children or anyone looking for a light-hearted and engaging board game experience. If you enjoy games like My First Orchard or The Magic Labyrinth, Harvest Time is a wonderful addition to your collection. However, more serious gamers may find it lacking in strategic depth and may choose to skip this title in favor of more complex games.

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