Trailblazer: The John Muir Trail

I've been wanting to try "Trailblazer: The John Muir Trail" for a while now, and I finally got my hands on a copy. I'm a big fan of worker placement and resource management games, and this one definitely hits the spot. The game is gorgeous, with beautiful artwork and components. The cards are thick and linen finished, and the pieces feel high-quality. I know there have been some complaints about the retail version being less complete than the Kickstarter version, but I haven't played the Kickstarter version so I can't speak to that.

The game itself is a lot of fun. You're hiking the John Muir Trail over the course of twelve days, collecting resources, exploring destinations, and trying to make the most of your experience. There are lots of different ways to score points, and the game is very thematic. It feels like you're really on a hike, and the artwork really brings the trail to life.

I've played this game with my wife a few times now, and we both really enjoy it. It's a little on the heavier side, but the rules are easy to learn and the game flows quite well. The solo mode isn't as good as the multiplayer mode, but it's still a decent way to play if you're on your own. Overall, I highly recommend this game to anyone who enjoys worker placement, resource management, or games with a strong outdoor theme.

It's worth noting that some reviewers have mentioned issues with the packaging. I didn't experience any damage to my copy, but it's something to keep in mind when ordering. I'm also planning to sleeve the cards, just to protect them from wear and tear.