Redwood (2023) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Redwood is a board game released in 2023 by Sit Down! It is designed by Christophe Raimbault and features artwork by Edu Valls. The game falls under the categories of Animals, Environmental, and Exploration, and includes mechanisms such as Line of Sight, Movement Template, and Set Collection.

Game Components of Redwood

Player Tokens and Photographers: Neoprene-padded photographers to hold templates in place.

Movement Templates: Ribbon templates for movement and range-finder templates for camera lens.

Panorama Cards: Cards that provide scoring if strung together in the correct order.

Animal Tokens: Tokens representing wild animals, each with a point value.

Decorative Elements: Tokens for flowers, trees, and other scenic elements.

Harmony Tokens: Conifer cones used for bonus points.

Objective Cards: Cards introducing new scoring conditions each round.

Game Board: A board divided into a panorama of backdrops with mobile animals and scenic elements.

How To Setup Redwood

To set up Redwood, begin by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Distribute the animal tokens, flowers, and trees across the board. Each player chooses a photographer token and places it on the board. Shuffle the panorama cards and objective cards, then deal a set number to each player or place them within reach. Ensure each player has access to the movement and range-finder templates. The game is ready to start once all components are organized and the first objective card is drawn.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement Estimation and Angle of View: Players use plastic templates to estimate movements and camera angles to capture animals without disturbing them.

Set Collection: Collecting animals and decorative elements to earn victory points.

Line of Sight: Using templates to determine what is within the camera’s view.

Objective Completion: Meeting conditions set by objective cards to earn bonus points.

Game Duration: The game lasts five rounds, with new scoring conditions introduced each round.

Scoring: Points are awarded for captured animals, decorative elements, and completing panorama card sequences. Harmony tokens are awarded for meeting specific objectives or using certain templates strategically.

Player Experience

Redwood offers a unique blend of spatial estimation and strategic planning. Players must carefully choose their movement and camera angle templates to capture the perfect shot, all while navigating the changing scoring conditions introduced by objective cards. The game is engaging and interactive, encouraging players to discuss and strategize their moves. The cooperative mode is particularly noteworthy, as it fosters teamwork and communication among players without the need for competitive conflict.

Pros

Engaging Gameplay: The combination of movement estimation and angle of view creates a thrilling and challenging experience.

Beautiful Components: The game features high-quality, visually appealing components, including neoprene-padded photographers and clear tokens.

Cooperative Mode: Offers a refreshing team experience where players work together to achieve objectives.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 10 and above, making it enjoyable for both children and adults.

Cons

Board Stability: The board can sometimes move around, knocking over surrounding cards due to the lack of neoprene padding.

Complexity: While the game’s complexity is generally low (rated 2.2 out of 5), the increasing number of objectives in later rounds can become somewhat confusing.

Personal Thoughts on Redwood

Redwood is an excellent choice for those who enjoy games that require strategic thinking and spatial estimation. It is particularly suitable for families or groups looking for a cooperative game that encourages teamwork and communication. The game’s themes of nature photography and environmental exploration add a unique and educational element, making it appealing to a wide range of players. For anyone seeking a game that balances fun and strategy without intense competition, Redwood is a great option.

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