Kodama: The Tree Spirits

I recently picked up Kodama: The Tree Spirits, and I'm pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy it. I initially bought it on a whim because, well, who doesn't love kodamas? The packaging is lovely, the artwork is gorgeous, and the card quality is excellent. The rules are deceptively simple, with a lot more strategy involved than I initially anticipated.

The game is played over three seasons, with four rounds in each. You gain points during each round by strategically placing branch cards to create matching symbols, and at the end of each season, you play a Kodama card that awards points based on the specific formation of your tree. It's a beautiful and imaginative game that requires you to think about both your branch placement during the season and the final Kodama card you'll play.

I've played it with both two and four players, and it works well with both group sizes. It's definitely more of a thinking game than a cutthroat competition, and the artwork is so charming that it keeps the mood light and fun. I've found myself playing it over and over again, each time with a different approach and a different tree.

If you're looking for a game that's easy to learn, visually stunning, and offers a good amount of strategic depth, I highly recommend giving Kodama a try. It's a perfect choice for casual gamers and families alike.