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This Week’s Explorable Games
This round of Explorable Favorites is from BoardGaming.com member TheKeeper. The two games selected from their favorites shelf were:
These games will be explorable until next Monday, April 14th.
After you’ve explored these games, let us know what you think about them in the comments below!
They might do a SECOND collector’s edition?
I’ve been watching Takenoko for a while. I’m eyeing it as a mid level game for my kids when they learn a bit more about how to play. The main attraction is that my son loves Pandas and I think he would like the game just for that.
Morels seems like a great game, but I so seldom have a chance to play a two-player game. Takenoko looks like one I might want to pick up, though.
Two cute games, and that usually cause people’s curiosity.
Good choice.
@Granny – Nice. Now I’ll be clicking my browser’s Refresh button on my “Tabletop Games projects on Earth sorted by launch date” bookmark page every five minutes instead of every hour, looking for that Early Bird special.
There are whisperings of a new Takenoko Collector’s Edition campaign on Kickstarter. They are only whispers… but with the success of Tokaido CE… the whispers may become a roar.
@Account Deletion –
Thanks! With you and @Sir G’s avid support of Takenoko, I managed to last an entire 24 hours before sending another order to CoolStuffInc. It is on the way — along with Ghost Stories (played it last weekend and LOVED it) and Tsuro of the Seas, which seems like another good 2-player game.
Probably wouldn’t be so bad if Viticulture/Tuscany and Robots on the Line hadn’t also ended today. Definitely stopping to buy flowers for a certain someone on the way home as a preemptive apology.
Both of these games have really lovely artwork. I’d be interested in them for that alone. Takenoko is adorable, how cute can board games get? The little pandas are so sweet. I also love the soft, dream-like art in Morels, the fairies are so sweet.
If you’d like to add the Takenoko rules to the site, there is a link on this page (with five language options):
http://www.matagot.com/docs/
@Paladin – backing up @Sir Gamesalot, Takenoko is perfect with 2 players. I’m afflicted by the same “there’s frequently only 2 of us” bug as you, and the great majority of games that state they play “2-4 players” or “2-5 players” in my collection are much worse with 2 players. Takenoko probably scales better than any game I’ve played between 2 and 4 players. There’s not even an annoying phantom meeple to move like there is in Tokaido… you play the game with exactly the same rules, but strategies are very different. This is one of a small handful of games we constantly re-play on “just the 2 of us” nights, along with Dragonheart and Summoner Wars.
Morels is one that fell off my radar and i WANT to get it back on there! Thanks for bringing it back to my attention.
@Sir Gamesalot – Thanks! It’s been on my “Want It” list for a while and I watched the TableTop episode, but definitely needed that assurance that it works well for two players to pull the trigger. Now that I know the Lady and I can break it out for a quick weeknight game (and give Mr. Jack a rest once in a while) it’s made it to the top of my list.
Wish I’d thought of it before placing that $120.00 CoolStuffInc order last week! Now I’m going to have to wait a while before I can score that free shipping.
@Paladin, the game plays beautifully with 2 players. Due to the fewer numbers of players, some aspects of the game are actually easier, as you have fewer players to take cards, move things around, and create potential interference for your goals. The wife and I have played several times and really enjoy the 2-player version. I still holding onto my undefeated status, though she claims “there was that one time…and how could you forget it?!” She claimed one card prematurely, I believe.
That being said, it plays well with any number of players. The length is slightly adjusted by the ending condition, which is based on the number of players. The game play is smooth and it’s quick to teach. An instant favorite in my gaming group!
I looked at Morels before and liked what I saw. I think it’s time to finally take the plunge.
Can anybody that’s played Takenoko give me an idea if it plays optimally with two people and feels like a strong two-person game, or is it like most 2-4 or 2-5 player games where it’s “all right, but better with more players”?
I’m always on the lookout for a solid two-player experience, and as an Antoine Bauza game I’m already interested.
I was pleasantly surprised by Takenoko when I tried it. While not difficult there where some deeper strategies there.
Morels has a bit of a cult following in Norway but it may be due to availability. Last spring at a local con they held an auction for games and a new copy of Morels went for something like 75$.
For some reason, I can’t stop pronouncing Morels as “mor-EL” like Jor-El or Kal-El.
Could be that I just watched Man of Steel again…not sure though.
Interesting games.
I’ve been interested in playing both these games, so glad to see they’re explorable!
Now, after exploring Morels, I’m really excited to try it out. Seems fun and I’m always looking for good 2-player games for me and my girlfriend.
Takenoko is my new favorite game! It feels light and plays quick, but there’s some good strategy there too.
I just added the rules link for Morels that are downloadable on BGG. Thanks for finding the links!