Flux
This was the first time I got to play the original version of flux, and I enjoy the specialty versions a lot better. Flux is always a little slow to learn the first time you play, but pace increases as you play the game. Overall, I think Flux is too slow because of the reading and amount of rules you have to keep in mind. Strategizing can take time on your turn making game play slow. I do like the game as a whole. I think if I had a group of friends I consistently played that game with I’d grow to love it more. 7/10 would play again.
Love Letter
I absolutely loved this game. I loved how simple yet complex the game ended up being, and the idea that you quite possibly always had a chance to win even if you were behind. The pace of this game was fast and very easy to learn. I liked that it was easy to learn, but strategizing took time to perfect. 9/10 would play again.
Tokaido
This was by far my favorite in class game so far. I loved everything about this game, and I’m determined to buy it so I can vacation as every character it has. I loved the group interaction that this game triggered. I loved that it was more “friendly” competition rather than “cutthroat” competition. The pace was slower, but I felt as though that was intentional because the artwork is so beautiful so overall it didn’t bother me. Easy to learn despite the several pages of rules. The way the booklet was designed made every question I had while playing very easy to reference. 11/10 will purchase.
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis was an interesting game. I never really decided whether or not I liked it, I think I would need to play it again. I’m leaning towards not liking it I think because of the little player to player interaction. I very much was only worried about myself and my own trees and trying to get light points. I felt at points I wasn’t even playing against the other players I was just trying to get light points to do more actions. The pace was a bit slow, but picked up once we got a hang of the game. 5/10 not a lot of interest in playing again.
Bonanza
Another class favorite of mine. The player interaction was some of the most fun I’ve had playing and the mechanics of the game were so unique and inspiring. I wish there were other tokens to use as money, but I assume that removing some beans from gameplay is the point by having the cards double like that. Also, it was fun to beat Max at a game. 11/10 will purchase.
I have never played Tokaido so it was interesting to hear what you had to say about it, and that it happened to be your favorite game out of the bunch. I think this semester started for me at least with the idea that honestly we would be wasting our time playing a bunch of games all day. However, after some time, I have changed my mind. I think that all these games have given me (along with everyone else) perspective on how to design different types of games for different users.