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Herbaceous (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Herbaceous is a card game designed by Eduardo Baraf and Steve Finn, with art by Beth Sobel. It was released in 2017 by Dr. Finn’s Games. The game is known for its beautiful artwork and simple yet engaging gameplay mechanics.

Game Components of Herbaceous

  • Herb Cards:** 63 (9 cards each of 7 different herbs) + 9 Special Herb Cards (3 cards each of 3 different herbs)
  • Container Cards:** 16 (4 player colors of 4 different containers: Glass Jar, Large Pot, Small Pots, Wood Planter)
  • Herb Biscuit Card:** 1
  • Quick Reference Cards:** 4
  • Private Garden Tokens:** Matching the card backs of the pots.

    How To Setup Herbaceous

    To set up Herbaceous, each player receives four Container Cards and a matching Private Garden token. Shuffle the Herb Cards, including the Special Herb Cards, and remove a defined number of cards based on the number of players (36 cards for solo, 48 for two players, 60 for three, and 72 for four). Place the remaining cards in a deck and position the Herb Biscuit Card where everyone can reach it. Each player arranges their Container Cards in a horizontal row with the Private Garden token separating their Private Garden from the Community Garden.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Plant Action:** Players draw two Herb Cards and decide whether to place each card in the Community Garden or their Private Garden, with the second card going to the location not chosen for the first.
  • Pot Action:** Players can choose to pot herbs from their Private Garden and the Community Garden into one of their containers, each with specific requirements (unique herbs, same type, pairs, or any three types).
  • Game End:** The game ends when all players have filled their four containers or when no more herbs can be potted. The player with the highest score, based on the number of Herb Cards in each container and any bonuses, wins the game.

    Player Experience

    Herbaceous offers a relaxing yet strategic experience, perfect for a casual game night. Players enjoy the push-your-luck mechanics, deciding whether to take herbs from the Community Garden or wait for better options. The game’s short length and easy-to-learn rules make it accessible to new players, while the strategic depth keeps experienced players engaged. The solo version is also highly recommended, maintaining the same enjoyable push-your-luck feeling as the multiplayer version.

    Pros

  • Easy to Learn:** Simple rules make it a great introduction to card games.
  • Strategic Depth:** Balancing immediate gains with future possibilities adds tension and strategy.
  • Short and Sweet:** Games last only 15-20 minutes.
  • Accessible:** Suitable for players aged 8 and above.
  • Portable:** Available in a pocket edition, perfect for travel and spontaneous play.

    Cons

  • Luck-Based:** The random draw of Herb Cards can sometimes feel unfair.
  • New Player Disadvantage:** New players might struggle against experienced players due to the lack of a consistent strategy.

    Personal Thoughts on Herbaceous

    Herbaceous is an excellent addition to any gaming library, especially for those who enjoy set collection and push-your-luck mechanics. It’s a great choice for families, casual gamers, and travelers due to its compact size and quick gameplay. Whether playing solo or with friends, Herbaceous provides a fun and engaging experience that’s easy to teach and play, making it perfect for a quick game over coffee or during a break.

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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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