The Tree Lined Avenue (2019) Board Game

The Tree Lined Avenue board game was released in 2019 by TACTICAL GAMES. It was designed by Hayato Oshikiri and Yota Suzuki, with artwork also done by Yota Suzuki. The game falls under the category of Territory Building and features gameplay mechanics such as Open Drafting, Pattern Building, and Tile Placement.

Game Components of The Tree Lined Avenue

Tree cards: Five types of trees, wild cards, and trees that count as two trees for scoring.

Gardener meeples: Used by players to claim tree cards and collect animal tiles.

Animal tiles: Placed around the periphery of the board and collected by players for scoring.

Project cards: Hidden cards with conditions for extra points.

Shared playing space: A 6×6 grid where tree cards are placed.

Special action cards: Allow players to move their gardener, draw project cards, cycle available cards, or snag additional animal tiles.

How To Setup The Tree Lined Avenue

To set up the game, players first lay out preset cards plus one random card in a diagonal pattern, forming the basis of the 6×6 playing space. Little animal tiles are placed around the periphery of the board. Each player receives a set amount of gardener meeples and hidden project cards. Four tree cards are revealed face up in two rows, arranged by their value.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Placement: Players place tree cards in the shared playing space.

Drafting: Players choose tree cards from a display, which determines their turn order for the next round.

Pattern Building: Players build lines of trees to score points.

Game Objective: Score points by having the most valuable tree lines in rows and columns where their gardener meeples are placed. Additional points are scored through project cards and collected animal tiles.

Player Experience

The game offers a unique blend of strategy and calm, meditative gameplay. Players must balance their immediate needs with long-term planning, as the placement of gardeners and tree cards can significantly impact scoring. The game is highly interactive, with players needing to consider their opponents’ moves to succeed. It never feels mean-spirited, even with the possibility of blocking opponents’ plays.

Pros

Interactive Gameplay: The shared board makes for a more interactive experience compared to similar games.

Strategic Depth: Especially with two players, the game requires careful planning and balancing of moves.

Speed: Games are quick, lasting only 20-30 minutes, making it appealing for both new and veteran players.

Visual Appeal: The game features beautiful, nature-themed artwork that enhances the playing experience.

Cons

Component Quality: The quality of the components is average, with no standout features.

Theme Disconnect: The competitive nature of the game may feel out of place with the theme of building a shared park.

Limited Innovation: For those familiar with nature-themed games, the presentation might not offer anything significantly new.

Personal Thoughts on The Tree Lined Avenue

The Tree Lined Avenue is great for fans of tile placement games like *Kingdomino* or *Legendary Forests*. It stands out with its interactive gameplay and strategic depth, particularly at the two-player count. The game is ideal for those who enjoy nature-themed games, quick playtimes, and strategic planning without extensive downtime. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it provides a pleasant and engaging experience that is both calming and challenging.

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