Agricola

Homemade Finnish components.

One of My favorite game.

I'm awed by the mechanics and the sheer number of things you have to keep track of while managing your farm. Speaking of which: The theme is anything but pasted on - it's reflected in the gameplay very well.

Played once. I enjoyed it, but didn't find it that exciting. More plays needed. Update: Played again. More exciting but less enjoyable. I've read that a lot of people just like the aspect of building their own farm. I don't feel like that myself, but maybe that is me being competitive. I find the victory points have to be considered, which puts a lot of pressure on in terms of: food, fences, family members, animals, vegetables, house construction. Theres a lot to the game and I find it pretty overwhelming. Hopefully it will get easier. Update: Played for the 3rd time, this time with cards. I've got to say I just don't enjoy this game. I came 2nd on a 5 player game so I've mostly 'got it' now, but I think I find having too much choice a bit too stressful and I'm too competitive to just enjoy building my own farm. Downgraded to a 5.

Update: I think I just don't enjoy heavy euros. Where is the fun? Downgraded to a 4.

Not the gaming nirvana the rankings would have you believe but still very good. the core game is very tough and would be worth an 8 on it's own but all those cards create great variety and bump it up to a 9. I'm going to mark it down one though because I really am terrible at it and, as a consequence don't enjoy it quite as much as I could do.

I have been playing this solo for the most part, and after about 10 solo games, I have decided that I only want to play this with other people. The cards don't offer enough variety to significantly change the game for me. It has become boring and repetitive.

I am glad my husband is slowly beginning to like this game better (after he won a couple of games). Introducing the complex cards was a good idea. Even my 6 y.o. didn't feel that the easy deck really added to the game, but the complex deck does begin to make things interesting.

Really enjoy this game, it's a shame it doesn't make it to the table more often. Good thing I can play it online. I am debating on getting Agricola ACBS.

Nothing to say...great game from a great designer...

Update Nov 27, 2010 - Downgraded from 8 to 7 since it seems like I never want to play this game. Agricola is a brilliant game, but requires too much planning ahead. I am usually not in the mood for it.

Update Dec 11, 2010 - Upgraded back to 8 after a play with 4 people.