Herbaceous (2017) Board Game
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
– 63 Herb Cards (9 cards each of 7 different herbs: Bay, Dill, Lavender, Rosemary, Saffron, Sage, Tarragon)
– 9 Special Herb Cards (3 cards each of 3 different herbs: Chive, Mint, Thyme)
– 16 Container Cards (4 player colors of 4 different containers: Glass Jar, Large Pot, Small Pots, Wood Planter)
– 1 Herb Biscuit Card
– 4 Quick Reference Cards (gameplay steps on one side and container overview on the other)[3%.
## How To Setup Herbaceous
To set up the game, each player receives four different Container Cards and a Garden Marker. The Container Cards are laid out in a horizontal row in front of the player, with the Garden Marker separating the player’s Private Garden from the Community Garden. The deck of Herb Cards, including Special Herb Cards, is shuffled and placed in the middle of the table along with the Herb Biscuit Card. If playing with fewer than four players, a defined number of cards are randomly removed from the deck[3%.
## Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
– **Gameplay Mechanics:** Set collection, push-your-luck, and direct interaction.
– **Game Objective:** Players collect and plant herbs in their four garden pots to score the most points.
– Each pot allows a different grouping action: herbs of the same type, different types, pairs, or any three types (same or different).
– On each turn, players draw two herb cards and decide where to place them: either in their Private Garden or the Community Garden.
– Players can choose to plant herbs in one of their pots by assembling cards from both their Personal and the Community Garden.
– The game ends when all players have filled their four pots or no more planting is possible. Points are scored based on the number of Herb Cards in each pot, with bonus points for Special Herb Cards in the Glass Jar.
## Player Experience
Herbaceous is a game that balances simplicity with strategic depth. It is easy to teach and learn, making it accessible to new players, while also offering enough complexity to keep experienced players engaged. The push-your-luck element adds tension, as players must decide when to take risks and when to play it safe. The game also features direct interaction, where players can deny opportunities to their opponents by taking certain herbs from the Community Garden. This dynamic creates a fun and sometimes cutthroat atmosphere, especially towards the end of the game.
### Pros
– **Easy to Learn and Teach:** Simple rules that can be explained in about two minutes.
– **Small Form Factor:** The Pocket Edition is perfect for taking on the go.
– **Interactive Gameplay:** Direct interaction between players adds a fun and competitive element.
– **Quick Playtime:** Games can be completed in 15-20 minutes.
– **Solo Variant:** The game includes a solo variant that maintains the push-your-luck feeling.
### Cons
– **Lack of Variety:** Each game can feel similar in terms of gameplay.
– **Mini Cards:** In the Pocket Edition, the mini cards do not include the names of the herbs, which can be a minor inconvenience.
## Personal Thoughts on Herbaceous
Herbaceous is a great choice for anyone looking for a casual, yet strategic filler game. It is ideal for both new and experienced players due to its easy-to-learn mechanics and the tension created by the push-your-luck element. The game’s small size, especially the Pocket Edition, makes it perfect for travel or spontaneous game sessions. If you enjoy set collection and interactive gameplay, Herbaceous is an excellent addition to your gaming library.
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