Tales & Games: The Grasshopper & the Ant

Tales & Games: The Grasshopper & the Ant arrives as the fourth entry in Purple Brain's "Tales & Games" line, all packaged in a book‑shaped box. Up to four players take on the role of diligent red ants or the mischievous grasshopper trying to profit from the ants' work. At the start, 16 path cards are laid out in a 4×4 grid, each showing one of four terrain types. The ant player places six ants, one per card, forming a chain, then secretly selects a terrain that has at least one ant on it. The grasshopper then guesses the terrain. If correct, he takes all path cards of that terrain that host ants; if wrong, the ant player claims them. The grid is refilled and play proceeds. Two modes exist: Autumn scores cards immediately on separate tracks per terrain, with insect cards giving an end‑game bonus; the game ends when two tracks are filled. Winter treats collected cards as stock to buy provision cards worth victory points, with specific terrain combos granting extra bonuses. The first to reach four victory points wins. Core mechanics are set collection (building terrain groups) and stock holding (keeping cards to purchase provisions). Animal theme and a dash of bluffing create a light, breezy atmosphere, ideal for quick 30‑minute games, low complexity (weight 1.5), and a visual style reminiscent of La Fontaine fables.