Pumpkin Patch: Bad Seeds (2019) Board Game

Pumpkin Patch: Bad Seeds is a board game released in 2019, designed by Viktor Koch and illustrated by Brouhaha Games. The game falls into the farming and horror categories, blending an unexpected mix of themes to provide a unique gaming experience. With mechanics like hand management, memory, pattern building, and tile placement, players are challenged to grow pumpkins while fending off evil forces lurking in the patch.

Game Components of Pumpkin Patch: Bad Seeds

Pumpkin cards of various levels (1-8)

Crow cards with different personalities (Aggressive and Shy)

Seedling plot cards

Compost pile cards

Point tracking card

AI cheat sheet for solo play (optional)

How To Setup Pumpkin Patch: Bad Seeds

To set up the game, start by creating the pumpkin patch layout. The central card is typically a level 3 Baby Boo pumpkin, surrounded by four level 1 seedlings on the edges. Two crows are placed on the top left, and a compost pile is on the right. Each player starts with a hand of three cards. For solo mode, assign a personality to each crow to determine their movement patterns.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Placement: Pumpkin cards must be laid down in ascending order.

Crow Movement: Crows block pumpkin growth and must be moved every turn based on their assigned personalities.

Seed Points: Earn seed points by placing pumpkin cards, and use these points to perform specific actions in solo mode.

Objective: Maximize the score by growing the pumpkin patch efficiently while avoiding or managing the crows.

Player Experience

The game is quite fun and challenging, especially in solo mode where the AI-controlled crows add an extra layer of strategy. The gameplay is fast-paced, lasting around 15-20 minutes. The thematic artwork is creepy but not scary, making it suitable for children. However, the score tracking system can be a bit cumbersome as it only goes up to 20 points, requiring manual counting beyond that.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for children who enjoy gaming.

Quick Setup and Play: Easy to set up and play, with short gameplay sessions.

Challenging Solo Mode: The AI-controlled crows provide a good challenge.

Thematic Artwork: Creepy but not scary, adding to the game’s charm.

Cons

Score Tracking Issues: The score card only tracks up to 20 points, which can be inconvenient.

AI Complexity: Managing the crows’ movement can be complex without a cheat sheet.

Personal Thoughts on Pumpkin Patch: Bad Seeds

**Pumpkin Patch: Bad Seeds** is a great game for families or individuals looking for a quick, engaging game. It’s particularly good for kids who enjoy light strategy and thematic games. While it has some minor design flaws, such as the score tracking system, it is overall a fun and recommended game, especially at its price point of $19.95.

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