Photosynthesis (2017) Board Game

Photosynthesis is a strategic board game that was released in 2017 by Blue Orange (EU). Designed by Hjalmar Hach and illustrated by Sabrina Miramon, the game has received critical acclaim for its unique gameplay and beautiful artwork. It falls under the categories of Abstract Strategy and Economic games, challenging players to compete for sunlight and grow their trees to maturity.

Game Components of Photosynthesis

4 player boards in different colors (green, blue, yellow, and orange)

Seed tokens and trees of different sizes (small, medium, large) corresponding to each player color

Light tokens to track light collection

Round markers

Start player token

Game board divided into several zones

A half-moon shaped sun board to represent the sun’s movement

Victory point tiles with numbers and leaf symbols

Rule book.

How To Setup Photosynthesis

To set up Photosynthesis, each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding player board, tokens, and trees. Players place their light token on the zero spot on their player mat and arrange their trees and seedling tokens accordingly. The game board is laid out centrally with the sun board (sundial) positioned on the edge. Players then place two trees each on the outer ring of the game board to begin. Victory point tiles are arranged in descending order based on the number of leaves pictured on their backs.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Action Points Allowance System: Players collect light points based on the sun’s position and use these points to perform actions like planting seeds, growing trees, or harvesting mature trees.

Sunlight and Shadows: The sun moves each turn, casting light on trees and creating shadows that block light from smaller trees. Trees receive light points based on their size: small trees get 1 point, medium trees get 2 points, and large trees get 3 points.

Life Cycle: Trees progress from seedlings to small, medium, and large trees, with each stage requiring specific light points. Large trees can be harvested for victory points, which are determined by the tree’s location on the board.

Game Objective: The goal is to collect the most victory points by efficiently growing and harvesting trees. The game ends after 3 or 4 rotations of the sun, and the player with the highest total of victory points wins.

Player Experience

Photosynthesis offers a unique blend of strategic planning and adaptive gameplay. Players must carefully manage their trees’ placement and growth to maximize sunlight collection while minimizing the impact of shadows cast by other trees. The game encourages a balance between short-term and long-term strategies, as players need to balance immediate light collection with the potential for future growth and harvesting. The beautiful, nature-inspired artwork and the dynamic movement of the sun add to the immersive experience, making each game session visually engaging and intellectually challenging.

Pros

Visually Appealing: The game features beautiful, nature-inspired graphics and a dynamic setup that creates a captivating forest environment.

Simple yet Deep Mechanics: The rules are easy to learn, but the game offers deep strategic layers, making it accessible yet challenging for players of various skill levels.

High Replayability: The changing sun position and interactive tree placement ensure each game is unique, promoting repeated play.

Family and Adult Friendly: Suitable for ages 8 and up, making it a great option for family game nights or adult strategy sessions.

Cons

Deterministic Elements: Some reviewers have noted that the game can feel deterministic, particularly in certain player counts, which might reduce the excitement for some players.

Complex Decision-Making: The need to consider future sun positions and shadow effects can lead to analysis paralysis, especially for players prone to overthinking.

Personal Thoughts on Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is an excellent addition to any board game collection, particularly for those who enjoy nature-themed games and strategic planning. It is ideal for families looking for a game that is both educational and fun, as well as for adult gamers who appreciate the nuances of resource management and spatial strategy. The game’s balance of simplicity and depth makes it a great introduction to more complex strategy games, while its unique mechanics keep experienced gamers engaged. Overall, Photosynthesis is a must-play for anyone interested in a beautifully designed and intellectually stimulating board game experience.

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