| | | | | | |

Vadoran Gardens (2019) Board Game

ByMichail

Vadoran Gardens is a board game released in 2019 by The City of Games. Designed by Frank West, this game falls under the categories of card game, city building, and territory building. With a runtime of 20-40 minutes, it caters to 1-4 players, with 2 players being the ideal player count. The game is suitable for players aged 8 and above and features artwork by Miguel Da Silva and Frank West.

Game Components of Vadoran Gardens

  • Pathway Cards
  • Lesson Cards
  • Achievement Cards
  • Lost Item tokens
  • Player tokens

    How To Setup Vadoran Gardens

    To set up the game, start by shuffling the Lesson Cards and revealing two, placing one below the other to define the card rows. Deal eight more into a stack above the top one to form the Lesson Deck. Shuffle each set of achievements and reveal them, placing them to the left of the Lesson Cards. Then, shuffle the Pathway Cards and place the deck in the middle. Deal each player two Pathway Cards and add two plus the number of players to each row. Set aside the Lost Items and give each player four player tokens. Determine player order and have each player place their token on a card in the top row of their choice.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Game Duration:** 20-40 minutes
  • Player Count:** 1-4 players
  • Objective:** Players aim to learn valuable Vadoran lessons by selecting Pathway Cards and placing them on their personal Garden Pathway. Each round, players match symbols on their Pathway Cards to their current lesson, focusing on tasks like feeding animals, studying relics, and maintaining the gardens.
  • Scoring:** Points are scored for groups of orthogonally contiguous tiles of the same color, achievements, and returning Lost Items to their correct places.

    Player Experience

    In Vadoran Gardens, players experience a competitive and puzzling game environment. Each turn, players select a Pathway Card and place it according to specific rules, such as overlapping cards and matching symbols. The game has a strategic depth similar to Kingdomino but with additional elements like achievements and Lost Items, which add variety and complexity to the gameplay. Players must balance short-term goals with long-term strategies to maximize their score.

    Pros

  • Strategic Depth:** The game offers a good balance of strategy and complexity.
  • Variety:** Achievements and Lost Items add multiple layers to the gameplay.
  • Compact Design:** Despite its complexity, the game is relatively compact and easy to set up.
  • Engaging Theme:** The game is set in an enchanting garden environment, making it visually and thematically appealing.

    Cons

  • Learning Curve:** It may take a game or two for new players to fully understand the mechanics.
  • Box Size:** The uniquely-sized box can be inconvenient for storage.

    Personal Thoughts on Vadoran Gardens

    Vadoran Gardens is ideal for players who enjoy strategic tile-laying games with a mix of hand management and area-building mechanics. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate games like Kingdomino but are looking for something slightly more complex. The game’s thematic setting and the variety of tasks and achievements make it a solid choice for both casual and experienced gamers. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a highly random or fast-paced experience, as it requires careful planning and strategic thinking.

    We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more. 

    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *