The Butterfly Garden (Second Edition) (2021) Board Game

The Butterfly Garden is a card game designed by Akha Hulzebos and published by Dr. Finn’s Games. The second edition of this game was released in in 2021. It is a game centered around collecting different species of butterflies in a garden setting.

Game Components of The Butterfly Garden

Butterfly cards: Numbered from 0 to 59, these cards determine turn order and contain butterflies to capture.

Delivery cards: Four types, indicating which butterflies can be delivered to score victory points (VPs).

Special power cards: High-numbered cards with unique abilities.

Jars: For collecting butterflies.

Butterfly gardens: Represented by cards for zoos, botanical gardens, and museums.

Upgraded artwork and components: New art and improved materials in the second edition.

How To Setup The Butterfly Garden

To set up the game, players start by shuffling and dealing the butterfly cards. Each player receives a starting hand, and the delivery cards are placed face-up to indicate which butterflies can be delivered. The butterfly field is prepared by laying out a selection of butterfly cards. Players also receive their jars for collecting butterflies.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turn Order: Determined by playing numbered cards from the hand.

Butterfly Capture: Players capture butterflies from the field based on their turn order.

Delivery: Delivering butterflies to the gardens indicated on the delivery cards to score VPs.

Special Powers: Using high-numbered cards to utilize special abilities.

Set Collection: Scoring bonuses for having a variety of delivery cards.

Objective: The player with the most VPs at the end of the game wins.

Player Experience

The Butterfly Garden offers a calm and engaging gameplay experience, making it an excellent gateway game. Players must strategize about which cards to play to balance turn order and the number of butterflies they can capture. The game’s theme of saving endangered butterflies adds a touch of environmental awareness and a soothing atmosphere, making it appealing to players looking for a lighter, yet strategic experience.

Pros

Accessible Theme: Suitable for players intimidated by more complex themes.

Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and card management.

Upgraded Artwork: Enhanced visuals in the second edition.

Set Collection Element: Adds a new layer of strategy with the delivery cards.

Cons

Limited Player Count: Reduced from 6 to 5 players in the second edition.

Balance Between Card Numbers and Special Powers: Players must make trade-offs, which can be challenging.

Personal Thoughts on The Butterfly Garden

The Butterfly Garden is perfect for families, new gamers, and anyone looking for a game with a calm demeanor but still offering strategic play. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy nature-themed games or are seeking a lighter, more relaxing board game experience. The game’s balance of simplicity and strategy makes it a great addition to any board game collection.

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