Magical Treehouse (2015) Board Game

Magical Treehouse is a fantasy board game that was released in 2015 by designer Hiroki Kasawa and published by One Draw. The game is geared towards players aged 14 and up, and is designed for 3-4 players. With a runtime of 30-60 minutes, Magical Treehouse combines elements of fantasy and real-time gameplay, making for an engaging and immersive gaming experience.

Game Components of Magical Treehouse

6 double-sided Forest tiles

1 Biscuit Tray

1 Turn Order Track

4 Player boards

4 Carriage tiles

10 Objective tiles

96 Planning cards

1 Direction of play Tile

40 Familiars

20 Biscuits

1 Rulebook

How To Setup Magical Treehouse

To set up Magical Treehouse, start by creating the Magic Forest in the center of the table by selecting either the day or night side of the six forest tiles and piecing them together. Place the biscuit tray next to the forest and populate it with biscuits according to the number of players. Each player selects a player board, Familiars tokens, and one random brown objective tile. The Carriage board is placed between the spaces of all players. Players also select one red and one green objective and place them on the designated spots on the turn order track.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Strategy, Real-time Drafting

Designer: Not specified

Number of Players: 2-4

Age Range: 14+

Playing Time: 60-90 minutes

Mechanics:
– Card Drafting
– Resource Management
– Building
– Real-time Action

Objective: Players take on the role of young wizards aiming to build the best treehouses and collect resources to craft mysterious potions. The game is divided into four rounds, each consisting of three steps: Preparation, Planning, and Building. Points are calculated at the end of the fourth round for trees built, potions prepared, and objectives met. The player with the most points is declared the best wizard.

Player Experience

In Magical Treehouse, players engage in a competitive yet strategic game environment. Each round involves preparing and planning cards, which rewards players for completing these stages quickly. The real-time drafting mechanism adds a layer of urgency and excitement, as players must balance between deciding quickly and over-evaluating their options. The game requires players to manage resources effectively, build treehouses, and collect ingredients for potions, all while navigating the shared Magic Forest and utilizing Familiars to their advantage.

Pros

Engaging Real-time Drafting: The game’s real-time drafting mechanism keeps players on their toes, making it a dynamic and interactive experience.

Strategic Depth: The combination of card drafting, resource management, and building offers a rich strategic landscape.

Visual Appeal: The game’s components, including the forest tiles and treehouse building, add a charming and magical aesthetic.

Player Interaction: The competitive nature and shared resources create significant player interaction and competition.

Cons

Complexity: The game has multiple layers of mechanics, which can be overwhelming for new players.

Length: With a playing time of 60-90 minutes, it may not be suitable for players looking for shorter games.

Limited Player Count: The game is designed for 2-4 players, limiting its appeal for larger groups.

Personal Thoughts on Magical Treehouse

Magical Treehouse is ideal for fans of strategic board games who enjoy a mix of planning, resource management, and real-time action. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate games with deep mechanics and a competitive edge. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers or those seeking quick, light-hearted experiences, it offers a rewarding and challenging environment for those willing to dive into its intricate gameplay.

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