Fields of Arle

1-27-15: I really enjoyed my first play of Arle. Wow, there are a lot of choices! The game is definitely challenging and stressful in the way that there aren't enough actions to get what you want done. However, rating may go up or down depending on replayability, since there is very little randomness and very little blocking.

Towerex insert

An easy-breezy worker placement game continuing the theme of farming/agriculture well-established in previous Rosenberg games.

The game takes place over 9 rounds, signified by half-years/seasons, with each player having a set number of 4 workers and there being all of the actions available for each season right from the outset. You have your own player board/principality as well as your own barn/garage for storage of your farming vehicles. The actions consist of such things as plowing fields, cutting peat, obtaining animals, goods, building buildings etc. Yes the usual suspects for the most part, although there are some differing and thematic actions such as upgrading tools and digging dikes and so on. There really don't seem to be any bad options, simply a very good action vs a good action. The "twist" is that 1 player can jump across to the other season to choose an action, but in doing so, blocks the other player from doing this and they also forfeit being start player for the next round (and it's always good to go first).

Nearly everything is worth points (which is the goal of the game), from clearing peat, to buildings (a major way to score), accumulating animals, collecting resources, vehicles, and travelling. A very interesting feature is the vehicles; you can construct them and store them in your garage (space is limited) and each round you can load your vehicles with goods that then get automatically upgraded and you can travel to towns to gain food for goods as well as points. Simple, intuitive and thematic.

The game is very peaceful and intuitive, particularly if you've played his previous designs. It actually sounds very similar, but plays differently enough. There is a harvest of sorts at the end of each round/season, but it's less stressful; you get some benefits, and your costs are fixed and a lot less than say in Agricola or Caverna. Paying is not overly difficult to say the least. This design is at least as thematic as any game Rosenberg's designed and it obviously plays great as a 2er, but there is my biggest issue with it- while I appreciate a great 2er as much as anyone, this is a very limiting player count (only 1-2 players), and as such it will limit it's opportunities to get played.

Has some variability with the buildings but a building expansion is obvious and perhaps even needed as there's not a lot of different buildings. It would be nice to add at least the option for a third player, but it sounds like this is not going to happen. Great components, great theme, easy smooth gameplay, enjoyable, but limited due to the player count. Surprisingly different enough to warrant a purchase if you enjoy Agricola and Caverna.

Own the [boardgame=226441]Tea & Trade[/boardgame] expansion and the [boardgame=189137]Arler Erde: Advent Calendar promo[/boardgame].

Wonderful game. I love the theme; many paths of victory.

Rating as solo puzzle alternative only

As tough a Worker placement game as I've ever played. Strategic, AP-inducing, and deep. No surprise it's 2-player only.

Wonderful game. Tea & Trade expansion makes it even better.