Photosynthesis is another fantastic game from Blue Orange Games (publisher of the renowned ‘Kingdomino’). In short, the aim of the game is to grow your trees from seedlings to towering giants, in order to harvest them, and gain victory points. The game is easy to learn, with simple and intuitive rules.
The main mechanic in the game is the sun. Each round, the sun rotates around the board, shining light on your trees from different angles. Once three revolutions of the board are complete, the game is done (this typically takes 1 – 2 hours). If the sunlight manages to reach your trees, you will gain ‘Light Points’ – the currency of the game. However, if your tree is behind another of equal or greater size it is shaded and will not collect light for that round.
Light Points can be spent to purchase trees from your bank, which in turn can be grown on the board from a smaller tree. Once you manage to grow your trees up to the point that no amount of fertilising magic will increase their size, you’re ready to harvest. However, large trees collect a massive three Light Points per round in contrast to the measly one Light Point collected from a small tree. So, although harvesting will gain you points, you’re also losing an asset from your grove. Unfortunately, the longer you wait to harvest, the less points the trees are worth.
All right now that’s over with, let me tell you what I think! I love this game! It’s very concise, and you’re always planning your next move. Being easy to learn, Photosynthesis is a great game to pull out to play with your mates. Although anyone can pick it up and have a great time, there is a surprising level of tactics ready to be employed. And it sure is beautiful; mid-game, this is pure eye candy. And the best part? It’s always a very close game and come-backs are entirely possible. Normally, there’s only a few points between first and second place.
This game is a steal. It’s very rare to get a big box game for this cheap! Somehow Photosynthesis manages to pull off a great experience for a great price. Pick it up here at Presents of Mind.
Written by Matt R