Arboretum (2015)

The reviewer enthusiastically recommends Arboretum as one of the best and most intense two-player card games, highlighting its strategic depth and suitability for couples.

“I absolutely adore this game, but it really kind of tricks you. It looks like such a peaceful, zen-like game. And then it becomes a knife fight in a phone booth (a lush, green, leafy phone booth).”

“For such a small, easy to learn, quick playing game, Arboretum delivers quite a bit of bang and I really enjoyed it. Having to build a high scoring path while also keeping enough points in hand to actually be able to count your path’s score is innovative and adds another level of thought to what appears to be a simple game.”

“I love when a game sticks with me after I’ve left the table, and in my experience most people are itching for a second go after they have had time to stew about their first experience.”

The reviewer enthusiastically recommends Arboretum, highlighting its beautiful artwork and strategic card management, though noting that the scoring system can be challenging to grasp initially.

The reviewer enthusiastically praises Arboretum, particularly highlighting its brutal and strategic hand management and the tension it creates, asserting that the game truly shines and is best experienced with four players, contrary to popular belief.

“I have found Arboretum to be a challenging game in a very small package. This lack of downtime keeps you constantly moving and thinking about what you want to do next.”

“Arboretum is a cleverly designed card game that offers deep strategic gameplay within a simple ruleset, making it a highly engaging and replayable experience with gorgeous artwork.”

“Arboretum is a mean little game. It’s a vicious clubbing in card form.”

“I think it is a light, charming and thoughtful experience, a tactical game of subtle conflicts where every decision feels decisive, and whether you win or you lose, at the end you get to look at the charming little forest you have grown.”

Arboretum is a beautifully illustrated and deceptively cutthroat card game that offers a rich strategic experience, despite its initially complex scoring rules.

The reviewer highly values Arboretum, including it among a select group of games they would choose to keep if limited to only ten, indicating its enduring appeal and quality.