81

In Takenoko, players cultivate bamboo plots and care for the Emperor's panda in a beautiful Japanese garden. Players must balance growing bamboo, irrigating plots, and feeding the panda while completing various objective cards to score points.

81

The Verdict

based on 33 reviews

Positive 0%
Mixed 0%
Negative 0%
Gorgeous components and stackable 3D bamboo
Charming miniature figures
Accessible rules for families and beginners
Engaging and relaxing tabletop presence
High reliance on card and dice luck
Limited strategic depth for advanced players
100
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Roll To Review, David NorrisArticle

Takenoko combines gorgeous, tactile components with surprising tactical depth underneath a lighthearted family theme. While prone to some randomness from weather dice and objectives, it remains an engaging, highly interactive experience that bridges casual and strategic play well.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Tabletop Family, CalebArticle

Takenoko is a delightful family game featuring fantastic components and a clever mix of tile placement, tactical planning, and light strategy that appeals to both kids and adults.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Big Red BarrelArticle

This reviewer praises Takenoko as a gorgeous, engaging 'gateway' game, noting its competitive yet kind nature and simple rules. While loving its aesthetic and gentle gameplay, they critique the unbalanced Weather Dice and potential repetitiveness. Despite minor flaws, it's considered a great, long-lasting addition to a collection.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Game Boy Geek, Game Boy GeekVideo

This review covers the components, gameplay mechanics, and overall impression of the charming family board game featuring a bamboo-munching panda.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
TheBoardGameFamily, The Board Game FamilyVideo

This delightful family game combines tile placement and objective management as players cultivate bamboo plots and feed a hungry panda. Its striking components and accessible mechanics make it a lasting favorite.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Giant Brain, Iain McAllisterArticle

Takenoko is an engaging and visually stunning gateway game that balances simple mechanics with interesting strategic choices. The reviewer highly recommends it as a gentle introduction to the board gaming hobby.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Big Boss Battle (B3), Jupiter HadleyArticle

Takenoko is a delightful and engaging family board game that combines charming components with strategic tile placement and mission-chasing. Players will enjoy watching the colorful bamboo garden grow while efficiently managing the gardener and panda to secure victory.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Tabletop Gaming Magazine, Christopher John EggettArticle

Takenoko is praised as an elegant, thematic, and charming gateway game that offers surprising tactical depth through a shared, collaborative board experience.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
TheGamingReview.comArticle

Takenoko is a delightful and visually stunning board game where players grow a bamboo garden, manage a hungry panda and a grumpy gardener, and complete secret objectives using a simple yet strategic two-action turn system.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Board Game Sanctuary, Board Game SanctuaryVideo

Takenoko is praised as a visually stunning and accessible gateway game featuring light strategy, tile-laying, and charming components. The Chibis expansion adds fun new layers like a female panda and baby tokens.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Bear & The FoxArticle

The reviewer loved Takenoko, praising its beautiful design and enjoyable gameplay. They found it a perfect family favorite for ages 8+, offering strategic depth without being overwhelming, and recommended it without hesitation.

85
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Dude! Take Your Turn!, whovian223Article

Takenoko is a light, fast-paced, and relaxing game featuring charming components and straightforward mechanics. While it suffers from potential runaway leaders and limited player interaction, it serves as a wonderful, stress-free filler experience.

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