Summary
Watch your little saplings grow into towering giants
Players: 2-4 players
Gametime: 45-60 minutes
Gameplay
Set up the Game
- Each player receives a set of tree tokens and a player board.
- Place the game board in the center of the table.
- Sort the tree cards by size and place them in separate stacks next to the board.
- Place the sun segments and victory point tokens nearby.
Take Turns
- On each turn, players can perform three actions in the following order:
- Collect Sunlight: Place your tree tokens in the sunlight to collect light points. The amount of sunlight you collect depends on the position of your trees and the sun’s current position.
- Spend Light Points: Use your light points to grow your trees by purchasing and placing new tree tokens from the available stacks. Larger trees require more light points.
- Perform Actions: Choose from various actions such as planting seeds, growing trees, or collecting victory points. The specific actions available depend on the size and position of your trees.
Manage Your Trees
- The game revolves around the life cycle of trees. Trees in the outer ring of the board receive more sunlight but produce fewer victory points, while trees in the inner rings receive less sunlight but generate more points.
- Strategically place and grow your trees to maximize sunlight collection and victory point generation.
- Be mindful of the shadow cast by other trees, as it blocks sunlight and affects tree growth.
Score Victory Points
- Victory points are earned by collecting energy points and strategically using them to grow and develop your trees.
- Trees generate victory points when they reach maturity and go through the life cycle of photosynthesis.
- The larger the tree and the closer it is to the center of the board, the more victory points it generates.
Continue and Conclude the Game
- Players continue taking turns and strategically managing their trees and resources.
- The game concludes after a predetermined number of rounds, typically based on the number of players.
- At the end of the game, players tally their victory points from their trees and any bonus objectives.
- The player with the highest total victory points wins the game.
Here is a video from Rodney Smith teaching us how to play Photosynthesis
Review
Photosynthesis, the game where you can finally fulfill your lifelong dream of being a tree-hugging, sunlight-chasing master of the forest. It’s a truly unique and visually stunning experience that brings the wonders of nature to your tabletop. It’s the kind of game that catches your eye and draws you in, even if you have no idea what you’re doing, but you eventually learn the game dynamics and the game is a gentle breeze post that. The heart of the game is all about strategically positioning your trees to catch the most sunlight and grow them to their full potential. You’ll find yourself in a constant battle for that precious sunlight, strategically blocking your opponents’ trees and laughing as they wither away in the shadows.
Difficulty: Medium
Likeness: 82%
Purchase
You can purchase Photosynthesis on Amazon here