8.0
rating
Ludopedia
6.7
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
Loved the original Bonsai and want more? This expansion brings two new modules that inject more strategy and options, especially for those who enjoy an extra challenge!
Highlights
- Adds new scoring avenues
- Increases replayability
- Flexible optional modules
- New tactical decisions
Keep in mind
- Specialists module not solo
- Requires base game
FOR GENRE FANS
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Hey there, board game enthusiasts! Ready to give your base Bonsai game a little extra flair? The Vigorous Growth and Specialists expansion introduces two optional modules that can be used individually or together for added spice. The 'Vigorous Growth' module helps you speed up your bonsai's development with three special triple tiles. By sacrificing a few cards of different types at the start of your turn, you can grab one of these tiles and immediately place it on your masterpiece, as long as a wooden side touches another wooden tile. Each player can only snag one of these triple tiles per game, so choose wisely! Meanwhile, the 'Specialists' module adds a board and tokens for you to declare yourself the master of a certain tile type (wood, leaf, flower, or fruit). At the start of your turn, just once per game, you can stack your tiles on the specialists' board and place your token on top, betting you'll have the most of that type by the end. Heads up: this module isn't compatible with solo mode, so if you enjoy playing alone, you'll have to skip this one. But for those who love adding more strategy and a touch of objective-based competition, this expansion is a real treat!
GALLERY
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Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
DV Games, Fox Games, KOSMOS, Plato Magazine
Designer
Martino Chiacchiera, Massimo Borzì, Rosaria Battiato
Artist
Davood Moghaddami
Do I need the base Bonsai game to play with this expansion?
Yes, absolutely! This expansion adds new modules and components to the base game, so you need to own the original Bonsai to play.
How many players does this expansion support?
The expansion itself doesn't change the player count of the base game. It adds modules that can be used by 1 to 4 players, but remember that the 'Specialists' module does not work in solo mode.
What's the average playtime with the expansion?
The playtime tends to stay similar to the base game, perhaps adding about 5-10 minutes per player depending on how quickly you decide on module actions. The base game is already around 40 minutes, so expect something similar or slightly longer.
Does the game complexity increase significantly with these modules?
The complexity increases a bit, but in a manageable way. The modules are optional and well-explained, adding new layers of decision-making without making the game prohibitive for those who already know the basics.
Is it worth it for someone who plays solo occasionally?
If you primarily play solo, the 'Specialists' module won't be useful. However, the 'Vigorous Growth' module can still be added to give your solo games an extra boost.
Can the modules be used separately?
Yes! The beauty of this expansion is that you can choose to use only 'Vigorous Growth', only 'Specialists' (in multiplayer games), or both together for a more complete experience.