Grow Your Forrest with Aspens and Photosynthesis

Aspens

Two player game that takes about 30 minuets to play

Aspens, by Ludivore games, is a two player game where players try to have the most territory by the games end. Each player has a tree type that they are using to populate a forest. Where you can grow your new seedlings depends upon the direction the wind blows which is determined by rolling dice. This is a very easy game to learn, but a challenging one to master.

There are expansions to add additional mechanics to the game and to make the game a four player game where teams of two compete. The game is beautiful and helps to illustrate how growth is not something that is fully within your control (as it is literally at the whims of the wind). This game is a great way to work on planning and adaption of plans. As your forrest grows there are different ways for players to claim territory, they can try to get large portions of forest by fully surrounding areas or try to get smaller pockets of land. Chance of where the wind blows can force players to adapt and change their plans. The game is quick to play and as such can allow for several opportunities to try different strategies in a single game night.

Photosynthesis, by Blue Orange Games, is a two to four player game that also focuses on creating a forrest to earn points. Unlike in Aspens Photosynthesis focuses on where the sun is located and how that impacts the growth of trees. Photosynthesis focuses on trees growing from seedlings to large adult trees. Trees of different sizes cast different lengthen shadows which impacts how the smaller trees can grow.

Players in Photosynthesis are not only trying to get their trees onto the board but are now competing for sunlight to grow their trees. This too is a game of adaptability and having to adjust to the world around you.

Both of these games show different aspects of how trees grow and populate an area. Further they are map controlling games that encourage adapting strategies as the game progresses. Any who struggle with plans changing might find these games a wonderful way to work of building their skills on flexibility and adapting plans. These are both beautiful games to look at and to play and make a great addition to your gaming collection!

Photosynthesis

2-4 Player game that takes about 45 minutes to play