Bamboo

Bamboo is a delightful game that surprised me with its depth. While the box might be small, and the artwork cute, don't let that fool you - this is a medium-weight euro game! It's not overly complex, but the point-scoring opportunities make for interesting gameplay. The theme, centered around growing bamboo and managing your household, is charming and engaging.

The game is played over four years, with each year divided into four seasons. You'll burn incense, gather bamboo shoots, and manage your home tiles to earn happiness points. The balance tiles are particularly interesting, requiring you to optimize your home tile placement. You'll also need to prepare for winter by storing food, and honor the spirits in the temples. The spirit tiles offer bonus points at the end of the game, adding another layer of strategic decision-making.

The rules are accessible and easy to learn, but there's a lot of strategic depth to explore. I especially appreciated the advanced game mode on the back of the personal boards, which adds another level of challenge. The game components are well-made, and the overall presentation is excellent. I highly recommend Bamboo to anyone looking for a fun and engaging euro game with a unique theme.