I personally really enjoy this game, and it's becoming my favorite card drafting game! I love the presentation and modules. I always play with the animal companions module. Recommend 3 or more players though, as the 2-player variant is not as interesting. This game has great replayability, and it plays fast!
What I like about this game is it scales up or down in its complexity. I've taught my family (who are not gamers) and at first I just used the cards, on the second game we used the ribbons (just as a whoever gets the most of these takes that ribbon, a public goal, and one game not over three games) and the friends and they said it actually made it easier because now they had something to go for right from the start. I agree fully about the stuff feeling kickstarter add-ons and being a bulk of the box but that's really only the follies, they add another choice so a little more complexity but not a whole lot. However, we don't use them every time because sometimes you want to play the game just getting as many of a flower as possible, the follies essentially make you feel like you HAVE to draft one of each color. I don't mind that sometimes the card(s) I pass come back to me from my opponent just giving them right back, because sometimes I didn't actually want to give those cards away! But when you go above three players it's another thing to think about, it's probably smarter to give the card you got from the person on your right, to the person on your left so you're keeping it from them, just in case! I felt the "I want all these cards" more often in this, than any other card drafting game. And card drafting is probably my favorite game mechanism, I've played a lot of them (which, I'm aware you have as well!) I like this twist on card drafting, I think it is worth recommending because you can play just with the cards and friends with your non-gamer friends or family, and play the full experience with people who want something a little more. You did at least mention something on everything I thought about the game though so I thought the review was excellently done! I'll see ya on the next one
I agree with most of what you said. I will add that I often only play 3 follies, sometimes 4. The opportunity cost of not playing one is only 5 points. Generally speaking, I find my scores to be much higher when focusing on a 3 plant strategy instead of trying to go with all 5. But obviously, I'll adjust my strategy based on the cards that I draw and the friends that I have. I suggest trying not to worry too much about playing all of the follies and see if a) you enjoy using them more and b) your scores improve.
This feels like just one more step in the direction of the design philosophy of “just play this however you want.”. I think you mentioned something like this in a past video about things designers should stop doing. You can play competitively! Or cooperatively! Or solo! And you can use just the base deck! Or one of these half-dozen modules! Or all of them! Or any other one of the dozens of possible combinations! I really think there’s something the be said in favor of a designer just saying: here’s how you play the game. Like you say here, having a single set of rules generally leads to a stronger and more focused game.
My wife and I have played Flourish several times at 2 players. We agree with Zee that it is much better with 3+ and have decided not to play it anymore at 2p since we have many other games for two that we'd like to get to the gaming table. (Note: you do pass cards in 2-player game as you have to send both of them to your single opponent which limits the strategy a little compared to when you pass a single card to two opponents.) It is a simple game that scales well and plays quickly regardless of player count which is something that we appreciate. It fills a similar gaming space (high player count, simultaneous play, under an hour) as a game like 7 Wonders (which we also own and play) for a more casual group or for players looking for a lighter experience. Personally, we are big fans of it at 3+ and always include the optional discard rule and play with both the friends and the follies expansions as they add to the strategic level of the game without adding much complexity or length to the game. I would rate it a 7.8 and consider it a solid, family weight, fast-paced game for a large player count. It has a comfortable place in our gaming library.
my only issue with 7 wonders was how many people got turned off of it because of the sheer amount of symbols. I've had a lot of people play it once and never want the second game because it was fun, but they felt like they had to play with the reference card held up to their face (which is fine, I'm the gamer is my friend group, so I don't expect the same willingness to memorize symbols XD). I'm glad this just has few symbols and people will have an easier time. I think this will fit a space where I want to play something quick and light like sushi go, but we have more than 5 minutes to play and want to have a little more.... well... Flourish
@Intrepidfool, do you have a user on BGG? I would love to see your ratings and perhaps get inspiration to which hidden gems I might have missed 😊 Kinda in the same situation with my spouse 😁
I'm keeping it because it's an innocuously themed, pretty, welcoming game that plays *7*. Not that I ever have 7 people in my house . . . but . . . that's why it's still here.
Disappointing camera work in this review. Found it hard to follow without any close-ups of any of the cards. Huge fan of your reviews though, always look forward to hearing your opinions.
I never play the game without most of the stuff. The follies especially add a lot of depth. Only module i barely play were the medals, just because it only works with longer sessions.
I am personally turned off by the aesthetics and artwork here. To me it crossed the fine line between cute / adorable / appeasing and just plain kitsch and cringey, like those calendars full of kitten in a basket or with a butterly on their nose... Everdell is on the right side, this one on the wrong side. And yes, more and more games try to sell you a simple cardgame in a $40 box instead of $15.
Hi Zee, I agree with everything you say, but I think the co-op mode elevates it a little more. The idea that I can share cards with my friends when I draft made it feel like you could do more on your turn. “I’ve got junk, but oh! I can help my neighbors”. That feeling made it better for us, to the point where we always play cooperatively
I agree with you, I financed that version of kickstarter because of the hype that caused me to know that it was from the creators of Everdell and when I opened the game and saw its components well I realized that it was a filler in a euro box, I did not I regret the investment, but I do have to admit that between having the game with expansions or without it does not make much difference
I am often looking for simple games that are not party games that can play 7 or 8, because I seem to often be needing that kind of game. If I go over to someone's house that have 3 or 4 kids that want to play games, this is the kind of game I need (Parents, 4 kids, me--that's 7). They are not interested into separating into two games. So, hopefully this will work as a high player count game. 7 Wonders is often too complicated for folks with all of the symbology.
My wife is an avid gardener and has been asking about garden/flora themed games, bu I'm having trouble finding a ringer. I would love to see a garden/flora themed top 10.
Sanssouci is a pretty solid tile-placement garden game, although it's about palace gardens rather than traditional gardens, so it's less floral and more statues and trees. It's a Michael Kiesling design (of Azul fame).
Also, I love Genotype as a gardening/pea plant-breeding themed worker placement game - lovingly produced and longer/heavier but doesn't outstay its welcome
Spot on. Have only played it at 2 players, Its not that bad for what it is... I can see how more players will make the passing of cards more interesting. You do however get the same cards back multiple times, especially if they are no use to someone, or you don't want to give a card that will help another player. As for the add-ons, haven't even tried to play with them. I think the game alone is fine where it is, a nice simple card drafting game. the other stuff is just a bunch of added "eye candy." The quality of the components are amazing, but if you don't use them, what's the point?
Oh wow. Um, we apparently play games for VERY different reasons. I see no reason to judge a game so harshly for optional content you don't like. It's optional. I understand you probably review a ton of games that aren't designed for your ideal gameplay, but forgive me for never listening to your opinion ever again.
I love the game, and I disagree about the 2 player game. It works just fine, you still give stuff to your opponent, and you still compare gardens for scoring. Granted, its probably better with more people, but its fine. Also, a few cardboard bits and bobs are not kickstarter bloat. If you think so you havent been keeping tabs on kickstarter lately. The follies add to the charm of the game, and of i remember the campaign correctly they wont be in the retail version anyway, same as the friend cards, so you get your wish of a smaller box with less stuff of you buy retail.
"Like buying the whole farm before you know whether you like the milk". If this wasn't a thing, I'm going to start saying it now.
I personally really enjoy this game, and it's becoming my favorite card drafting game! I love the presentation and modules. I always play with the animal companions module. Recommend 3 or more players though, as the 2-player variant is not as interesting. This game has great replayability, and it plays fast!
What I like about this game is it scales up or down in its complexity. I've taught my family (who are not gamers) and at first I just used the cards, on the second game we used the ribbons (just as a whoever gets the most of these takes that ribbon, a public goal, and one game not over three games) and the friends and they said it actually made it easier because now they had something to go for right from the start.
I agree fully about the stuff feeling kickstarter add-ons and being a bulk of the box but that's really only the follies, they add another choice so a little more complexity but not a whole lot. However, we don't use them every time because sometimes you want to play the game just getting as many of a flower as possible, the follies essentially make you feel like you HAVE to draft one of each color.
I don't mind that sometimes the card(s) I pass come back to me from my opponent just giving them right back, because sometimes I didn't actually want to give those cards away! But when you go above three players it's another thing to think about, it's probably smarter to give the card you got from the person on your right, to the person on your left so you're keeping it from them, just in case! I felt the "I want all these cards" more often in this, than any other card drafting game. And card drafting is probably my favorite game mechanism, I've played a lot of them (which, I'm aware you have as well!)
I like this twist on card drafting, I think it is worth recommending because you can play just with the cards and friends with your non-gamer friends or family, and play the full experience with people who want something a little more. You did at least mention something on everything I thought about the game though so I thought the review was excellently done! I'll see ya on the next one
I agree with most of what you said.
I will add that I often only play 3 follies, sometimes 4. The opportunity cost of not playing one is only 5 points. Generally speaking, I find my scores to be much higher when focusing on a 3 plant strategy instead of trying to go with all 5. But obviously, I'll adjust my strategy based on the cards that I draw and the friends that I have. I suggest trying not to worry too much about playing all of the follies and see if a) you enjoy using them more and b) your scores improve.
I hope they release a flourish base game with just cards. The expansions are a little crazy.
Like the game - enjoyed the solo - didn't enjoy making the cardboard bits and bobs
I was starting to be interested in this game, and then, boom! Not at all.
This game surprised me at how great it is. Amazing depth and fantastic aesthetics.
Love this game. Have to disagree with the issue that the flourishes are a distraction. Agree that 2 players is not ideal.
This feels like just one more step in the direction of the design philosophy of “just play this however you want.”. I think you mentioned something like this in a past video about things designers should stop doing. You can play competitively! Or cooperatively! Or solo! And you can use just the base deck! Or one of these half-dozen modules! Or all of them! Or any other one of the dozens of possible combinations! I really think there’s something the be said in favor of a designer just saying: here’s how you play the game. Like you say here, having a single set of rules generally leads to a stronger and more focused game.
My wife and I have played Flourish several times at 2 players. We agree with Zee that it is much better with 3+ and have decided not to play it anymore at 2p since we have many other games for two that we'd like to get to the gaming table. (Note: you do pass cards in 2-player game as you have to send both of them to your single opponent which limits the strategy a little compared to when you pass a single card to two opponents.) It is a simple game that scales well and plays quickly regardless of player count which is something that we appreciate. It fills a similar gaming space (high player count, simultaneous play, under an hour) as a game like 7 Wonders (which we also own and play) for a more casual group or for players looking for a lighter experience. Personally, we are big fans of it at 3+ and always include the optional discard rule and play with both the friends and the follies expansions as they add to the strategic level of the game without adding much complexity or length to the game. I would rate it a 7.8 and consider it a solid, family weight, fast-paced game for a large player count. It has a comfortable place in our gaming library.
my only issue with 7 wonders was how many people got turned off of it because of the sheer amount of symbols. I've had a lot of people play it once and never want the second game because it was fun, but they felt like they had to play with the reference card held up to their face (which is fine, I'm the gamer is my friend group, so I don't expect the same willingness to memorize symbols XD). I'm glad this just has few symbols and people will have an easier time. I think this will fit a space where I want to play something quick and light like sushi go, but we have more than 5 minutes to play and want to have a little more.... well... Flourish
@Intrepidfool, do you have a user on BGG? I would love to see your ratings and perhaps get inspiration to which hidden gems I might have missed 😊
Kinda in the same situation with my spouse 😁
I'm keeping it because it's an innocuously themed, pretty, welcoming game that plays *7*. Not that I ever have 7 people in my house . . . but . . . that's why it's still here.
Disappointing camera work in this review. Found it hard to follow without any close-ups of any of the cards. Huge fan of your reviews though, always look forward to hearing your opinions.
I agree. It's just too much KS bloat. All the expansions just sat in the box when we played it.
I never play the game without most of the stuff. The follies especially add a lot of depth. Only module i barely play were the medals, just because it only works with longer sessions.
There’s a lot of stuff in that box. It’s a very quaint game in the best possible way.
I am personally turned off by the aesthetics and artwork here. To me it crossed the fine line between cute / adorable / appeasing and just plain kitsch and cringey, like those calendars full of kitten in a basket or with a butterly on their nose...
Everdell is on the right side, this one on the wrong side.
And yes, more and more games try to sell you a simple cardgame in a $40 box instead of $15.
I really like this game. I also like it solo, although, I don't think I've lost yet. It is a really light, but thinky, game.
Hi Zee, I agree with everything you say, but I think the co-op mode elevates it a little more. The idea that I can share cards with my friends when I draft made it feel like you could do more on your turn. “I’ve got junk, but oh! I can help my neighbors”. That feeling made it better for us, to the point where we always play cooperatively
I agree with you, I financed that version of kickstarter because of the hype that caused me to know that it was from the creators of Everdell and when I opened the game and saw its components well I realized that it was a filler in a euro box, I did not I regret the investment, but I do have to admit that between having the game with expansions or without it does not make much difference
I am often looking for simple games that are not party games that can play 7 or 8, because I seem to often be needing that kind of game. If I go over to someone's house that have 3 or 4 kids that want to play games, this is the kind of game I need (Parents, 4 kids, me--that's 7). They are not interested into separating into two games. So, hopefully this will work as a high player count game. 7 Wonders is often too complicated for folks with all of the symbology.
My wife is an avid gardener and has been asking about garden/flora themed games, bu I'm having trouble finding a ringer. I would love to see a garden/flora themed top 10.
Tang Garden?
Sanssouci is a pretty solid tile-placement garden game, although it's about palace gardens rather than traditional gardens, so it's less floral and more statues and trees. It's a Michael Kiesling design (of Azul fame).
Tussie Mussie is a great little flower-themed game for 2
Also, I love Genotype as a gardening/pea plant-breeding themed worker placement game - lovingly produced and longer/heavier but doesn't outstay its welcome
I appreciate the suggestions! I'll have to check some of those out!
Spot on. Have only played it at 2 players, Its not that bad for what it is... I can see how more players will make the passing of cards more interesting. You do however get the same cards back multiple times, especially if they are no use to someone, or you don't want to give a card that will help another player. As for the add-ons, haven't even tried to play with them. I think the game alone is fine where it is, a nice simple card drafting game. the other stuff is just a bunch of added "eye candy." The quality of the components are amazing, but if you don't use them, what's the point?
I passed on backing this one because there seemed to be too much Kickstarter bloat for such a simplistic game. Pretty!
I don't think I'd ever play this over 7 Wonders. Great review though.
Thank you for this comprehensive review!
Oh wow. Um, we apparently play games for VERY different reasons. I see no reason to judge a game so harshly for optional content you don't like. It's optional. I understand you probably review a ton of games that aren't designed for your ideal gameplay, but forgive me for never listening to your opinion ever again.
I love the game, and I disagree about the 2 player game. It works just fine, you still give stuff to your opponent, and you still compare gardens for scoring. Granted, its probably better with more people, but its fine.
Also, a few cardboard bits and bobs are not kickstarter bloat. If you think so you havent been keeping tabs on kickstarter lately. The follies add to the charm of the game, and of i remember the campaign correctly they wont be in the retail version anyway, same as the friend cards, so you get your wish of a smaller box with less stuff of you buy retail.