It’s hard to beat the hopeful, revitalizing nature of spring and Pergola is a game that definitely captures the spring vibe. It releases May 30th, but I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy!
Gameplay
Players are trying to create the best gardens. You can grow buttercups, hollyhocks, magnolias and lavender, which can attract bees, butterflies, ladybugs and dragonflies to your garden.
On your turn, you select a gardening tool, gaining the resources pictured on the handle and the action based on its placement. Actions include fluttering insects to more advantageous locations in the garden; picking up leaves for extra insects; moving your water drop down the cascade for insects; and hopping your frog meeple to lily pads on the pond which can attract the coveted dragonflies.
Each plant and insect scores differently depending on number and location. You can also earn honey pots and cascade bonuses letting you score even more with some of your garden features. Since there are only 15 turns per player, you cannot possibly maximize all the different types of points, instead having to choose your strategy.
Thoughts
This is definitely one of the most gorgeous games I own! The artwork by Karolina Kijak is absolutely beautiful, the components are so well made and the overall organization is incredibly well thought out. Heck, there’s even a handy image on the inside of the lid showing how to pack everything up. I also love that the rulebook included some real life facts about each of the plants and insects in the game.
I also truly LOVE the gameplay. While initially, there’s plenty to learn, once you do, gameplay feels very relaxing. Someone might take the tool you want or beat you to a higher point dragonfly, but there’s really no direct conflict. Instead, players are focusing on maximizing the points in their own gardens. I like that each plant and insect scores uniquely, really making you think about what to collect and where to put it. Placing the little insects on my flowers is just so enjoyable that I don’t even care if I’m winning, the process is satisfying enough. Winning is nice, though.
Solo Mode
Even though I prefer multiplayer games, I’ve also tried a few solo games of Pergola. The modification to the game is minimal and incredibly easy. I can set up and play in less than half an hour. I really like that the back of the rulebook has a variety of solo challenges including scores to try to beat. I think it has really opened me up to solo versions and I might explore some of my other games that include them.
*The game was kindly gifted by Asmodee but all thoughts are my own.
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