Agricola (English Version)

I was so amazed that there were no reviews on IGUK for Agricola that I felt compelled to write one. As most of you will know I'm sure, this is currently the number one rated game on BoardGameGeek. Is any game truly worthy of the number one spot for best game? Probably not - I find my favourite game tends to vary depending on what mood I'm in at the time. However, as number one games go, I have no problem with Agricola being top of the list. It is one of the few games that I would rate as a full ten.

It has a universal theme - everyone gets the concept of farming and the process of building up your own small hold is tremendous fun. There are many paths to victory and each time you finish the game you think about what you could have done differently. The cards add great variety to the game and in my experience, it scales really well. It's even enjoyable as a solo experience!

For a two-player game, once you know the rules (which are comprehensive and well-written) the game generally takes an hour. Double that for a four-player game - so, you're probably talking approx. 30 mins per player. Everyone I've played it with has thoroughly enjoyed it.

The game looks very appealing too - it has a cartoony style and the box comes packed with boards, tokens and wooden blocks. I pre-ordered my copy and therefore have the 'animeeples' which really add to the aesthetic of the game. You can buy them separately for about a fiver; I know it's just an aesthetic thing but they do somehow add to the enjoyment.

Anyway, I've probably rambled enough. In short, it's great, deserves the number one spot and is a game that I can definitely see myself enjoying for years to come. Go grab a copy!

I have to admit to only playing this game once so far so this opinion may change! I was a little disappointed in light of all the rave reviews. The problem I found with this game (like most resource management / developmental games) is that it was not engaging or exciting enough. I like the options / choices and it is a well thought out game but it failed to engage or entertain me.