3 SOLO REVIEWS | Cartographers Heroes, Honey Buzz & Lost Ruins Of Arnak

[@stacie_everdell]

93% of my game collection can be played solo. That's a very intentional decision. I love playing games too much to rely on others to play with all the time. I also like relaxing on my own with a game. It's a very different experience. I think once you get into solo gaming, you just get to play more games. :) I love LRoA. The solo campaign on the publisher's website is worth checking out. Love Cartographers. I still want to try Honey Buzz. Ideas for a segment title... • something solo'd • one-player reviews • meeple for one

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

I 100% agree Stacie. It’s great. 🥰 and thanks for the name suggestions! Those are great!

[@nugget3687]

What i love about cartographers is that you could just treat it like a simple game, and it'll be really fun, but you can also get out color pencils and be more complex with your map making and treat it like a game AND art project. I'm not even an artist but i have a ton of fun making the water actually bodies of water and rivers, different house shapes and adding brown roads in the middle, if there's a river in between 2 village clusters, I'll draw a bridge, suddenly what looked like 2 separate villages now looks like one village, if it's next to a lake, I'll draw a dock! Big cluster of farmlands, that could use a road in the middle. And at the very end, add finishing touches like green grass on all the white empty spots in cities. It's all completely optional, but it makes the game more fun and in the end, it looks like a real map! And i can see this being used to make rough drafts for locations in a dnd campaign

[@jamesbrazeal3847]

Solo gaming is big, for those of us who love games a bit more than those around us. Or for those of us who live alone.

[@rivengodwind]

This is quite a succinct way of putting it. And very true!

[@TheKrisMds]

I loved the harmonies and world wonders solo game❤ cartographers is great too😊

[@itsGabrielaCristina]

Yay for solo gaming! I recently got Everdell and Winsgpan to continue expanding my solo gaming options. Spirit Island is great solo, but so stressful xD and Viticulture is just difficult to beat the automa, but so fun. I want to try Arnak soon.

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

All those games are so good! I need to get Wingspan, Everdell and Spirit Island to the table solo. Spirit Island does scare me a bit. Francis and I literally just beat it for the first time 2 player a few days ago. 🤣👏🏻

[@mike9139]

I finally played honey buzz for the first time last night and had a lot of fun!!! I want to try the expansions!

[@paulsalomon27]

So glad you enjoy Honey Buzz! Thanks for sharing. I love your channel.

[@apollonia6656]

I play solo and only solo so it is great that there are people out there who pay attention to our needs.....just keep up the good work 👏👏👏 Thanks from the UK.

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

Awh I’m so glad I can bring some more content to fellow solo gamers! Thank you! 😊

[@SundayLaughs]

I also love playing Arnak and Cartographers solo!!! I own all the maps for Cartographers, and only ever play with Heroes because I love what it adds to the game. Arnak though, I gotta agree, it was hard my first time but I realized the strategy against the AI is completely different from my strategy playing with other people!!! I think it's getting in that different headspace that's tricky, but once you figure it out I win by a landslide sometimes hahaha

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

Both are so great. 😊👏🏻 and yes I definitely need to dive more into Arnak. The strategy is completely different and I really wasn’t expecting that so I just played like I would in a multiplayer game. I still won but barely. 🤣

[@lsaunder14]

Great video! In terms of a name, I'm imagining it's morning tea or afternoon tea time in the garden but instead of tea for two you're having a cuppa "Three for one" 🌿☕☕☕ 🌿

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

Awhhh I love that name idea!!! 👏🏻☕️

[@lilianempls]

Howdy, love this content. There is actually more content around solo boardgaming than you might think but the more the merrier and glad you've discovered it. Simply Solo, Solo Satisfaction ;), Solo Shuffle

[@morgaknightgames]

My favorite solo games right now are Arnak, Rococo deluxe, and Tiny Epic Dungeons. Most of my games can be played solo to some degree and I have more dedicated solo adventures coming in. Looking forward to it!

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

Very nice!! 😊👏🏻 Rococo looks amazing! How is the solo variant? Difficult to learn? I know Rococo in general is a pretty heavy euro but how is the learning of the solo after you already know the multiplayer?

[@morgaknightgames]

@@TheBoardGameGarden The solo instructions are very clear and low maintenance. The biggest hurdle is the iconography, which you'll already be familiar with after having played the regular game or by reading the rule book. It's also quite challenging, as she can very quickly rake up points and block you from specific locations or take the materials you wanted. I wouldn't say to pick up the game specifically for the solo mode given how expensive it is, but if you already have the game or were interested in it already, the solo mode is a great bonus!

[@mike9139]

YOU ARE AWESOME! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@spaztekwarrior]

It’s especially fun playing a larger board game like Arnak, or Raiders of the North Sea, in solo mode :)

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

I’ve really been enjoying bigger games in August! 👏🏻

[@spaztekwarrior]

@@TheBoardGameGarden Well now welcome to September:)

[@dannyverbraeken3829]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these solo games ! I don't have Honey Buzz yet, but it looks something I have to try.

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

You are so welcome! I really enjoying filming this one. 😊 Honey Buzz is great! Hope you get a chance to try it out!

[@gaellelucyb5667]

Hello, Jenna! I have just finished watching all of your videos (except for the one on Bark Avenue, but I will). It seems we have somewhat similar taste in games! I love playing Honey Buzz solo. Wingspan is the game that first got me into it. I then got Parks, Welcome to Your Perfect Home (so much better with the first expansion that adds a new and better solo mode), and my recent favourite is Living Forest! I'd love to know if you recommend Everdell.

[@markusbiewer2756]

Wingspan might not be my favorite game of all time, but I love how easy it is to execute the Automa. Is it the same with Honey Buzz?

[@gaellelucyb5667]

It is!

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

Ohhh yes! All those games you listed I LOVE! It makes me so happy when I find people with a similar taste in games as me. 😊👏🏻 I need to look into Living Forest! I almost bought it back in May but I ended up getting Bitoku instead. Unfortunately Bitoku has an awful solo variant. 🥺 fantastic game though. I still need to get both Wingspan and Everdell to the table solo! I’ll add those to my September solo games list!

[@xxhawkdancerxx]

I didn't realize the solo variant was so straightforward for Honey Buzz-- gives me some more incentive to learn it! I'm always intimidated by solo variants because they always feel like more rules, and goodness knows I'm already reluctant to learn the basic rules!

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

Yeah I’m the exact same way Iris! I always put off learning games solo because for some reason I think it’s going to take so long and be so difficult. Fortunately most of them that I have tried so far have been SO EASY! And I’m always to happy when I get myself to just learn the solo. You will love Honey Buzz solo! 🥰

[@fan243dd7]

I love solo games because it adds more value for money. Lets you get games to the table more often. Agree 100% on Honey Buzz! Solo is pretty fun on that game. I really recommend a game called Chai! I have played it solo three different ways: running two players, they have a solo mode where you try to get the highest score you can like Honey Buzz, and they also have a solo dice version where you can play competitively against the ai. Very versatile and I love their market tile mechanic where you try to get the best deal you can for your ingredients. Love the video and excited to see more games that can be played solo!

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

I 100% agree! 👏🏻💕 it makes me feel so much better buying a game when I know I can just play it alone without depending on someone else to play with me. And Chai has been one I have had on my wishlist for so long! It’s very difficult to find here in Canada unfortunately! I’ll get it or play it one day. It looks great and makes me very happy that there is solo!

[@laggybum3218]

I didn't know that there were so many games that are solo/can be played solo! I just ordered Spirit Island and Renegade Warp's Edge. Thanks for your videos!

[@AlwayzFresh]

Final Girl, This War of Mine, and Falling skies are my current solo faves.

[@Whipitgood]

Love the solo content! I'm also glad you mentioned wanting AI opponent turns to take less time than your turns. Super complicated solo AIs that try to exactly simulate another human player are one of my big turn offs in solo variants. I haven't gotten to play my copy of Honey Buzz yet but I'm sooo glad to hear that it plays well solo. Great video!

[@Funhild]

I mostly play solo and my current favorites (in random order) are: Obsession, Architect’s of the West Kingdom, Seize The Bean, Cascadia, Hadrian’s Wall, Fantastic Factories and Red Cathedral. Up next I want to learn and play Honey Buzz and The Isle of Cat’s. Love your uploads, especially the solo ones😉

[@wyatth2992]

If you have the opportunity, you should give Project L a try. It's a favorite around my house.

[@Funhild]

@@wyatth2992 thanks, I’ll check it out👍

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

Ohhhh we have very similar taste in games and that makes me so happy! Obsession is one we have on the way, all the rest I absolutely LOVE aside from Fantastic Factories! I need to look into that one. So glad you enjoy the content! 😊

[@randito2387]

"Cartographers is a ... game where you are Cartographers" at 3:32. :) Heroes is a fun expansion. I prefer it to the original.

[@jasonc2784]

Gardening. It's often a meditative solo activity or done as a way to remember a lost companion.

[@SethAGonzalez]

Well in keeping with the garden theme, you should call these solo playthroughs: "Solitary Flowers" - meaning flowers that don't grow within an inflorescence. Those flowers grow in a specific position on a plant, and not part of a grouping of flowers. Like a rose, which grows at the top of the plant. :) Could be a way to acknowledge solo games? I dunno, just a thought. Love your channel!

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

Wow! I love this! Thank you Seth! 😊 and I’m so so glad you like the channel. I really appreciate it. I’ve been loving it.

[@AlwayzFresh]

Just picked up Honeybuzz to play with the family. I'm super excited to check it out solo as well, as that's my main type of play.

[@Nana_Waffles]

New to board gaming and I picked it up because I wanted play board games with my kids during homeschool for fun. We picked up Magic Maze Kids and they had a blast. I had so much fun that I just played Honey Buzz solo and lost track of time playing. Love this game. I had to rent it from our board game store since it is out of print currently 🙃.

[@barbaramazzocca4605]

I just got Honey Buzz for $19 at Walmart! Unbelievable price! My gosh, the components are amazing. I'm still trying to figure out how to play it.

[@Embracingwanderlust]

Ooohhh I am excited for this series. My husband is about to be gone for ten weeks for work and we are new to the board gaming. I needed this! I would love to see some simpler relaxing ones like herbatious and more in depth ones such with minimal AI

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

Yay! 😊 I am so glad you are excited! I’ll definitely be doing more. I really enjoyed filming this one.

[@TimChuon]

YESSS loved hearing your thoights on solo honey buzz! 🍯 the drones pose a fun little threat and I (haven’t tried it yet solo) but I totally agree-it’s nice that the AI is quick and easy with low maintenance! 🙌🏽

[@gurnblanston2848]

Great video! You're right, there needs to be more focus in game reviews on solo variants! I would love to hear your thoughts on the solo experience in Creature Comforts! I've been meaning to try it out, but haven't yet. As a name suggestion if three game solo reviews becomes a regular segment, and I apologize if this is too "Dad-Joke-y" (but I'm a Dad, what can I do?), how about "Oh, Solo Trio! 🎶"?

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

Thank you! 😊 yeah I’m excited to talk about them more! There are some content creators that focus solely on solo games and variants. It’s great but I definitely think there could be more especially with solo gaming becoming more of a popular thing and widely accepted thing in the board game hobby. Creature Comforts is at the top of my list! Can’t wait to finally try it and share my thoughts! Especially it’s solo variant! 😊👏🏻 moving into fall Creature Comforts is definitely a must. So cozy!

[@sentino68]

Nice reviews! I’m getting Arnak. Do you have a video on how to play this. In either solo or standard mode?

[@AnaMahsati]

I want to try Arnak, but now I'm torn between it and Honey buzz. I enjoy games like Carcassonne and Cartographer... Between Honey and Arnaky, which one you think is closer to those two Games I enjoy? I play more for relaxation than excitement.

[@vychodnarbavistolovky]

oh, didnt know abou your channel. I´m doing solo playthroughs on my channel (but in slovak, so no big deal :-D ) so its nice to get some others meanings and inspirations :-) from begining covid-pandemie is solo playing almost a passion for me. about 95% games in my collection have solo mod or are pure solo. very nice video of you and I´m looking forward to discover more content of your channel. gaming is awesome! 🙂

[@thepresteign8427]

If your goal for the series is solo variants of primarily multiplayer games then my title suggestion is the alliterative “Pruned Player-count”

[@bgm-1961]

First off, a very pleasant video. Thanks for posting! Now, wow... there are so many really good solo variants/AIs for multiplayer games nowadays. You touched on only three of them in this video. Not to mention hundreds of superb solitaire-only games, also currently available. I'd be here all day if allowed to talk about my favorites. So instead, I'll suggest a very recent game which I just played solo for the first time, and can't recommend it enough for its solo experience! It's called: 'Flashpoint: South China Sea' (BGG link provided at the end). Despite its title and publisher (GMT), it's NOT a wargame! It's instead an abstract game with a geo-political setting. And if you're not into modern day geo-politics, the game is still worth checking out only for its very simple, quick, yet challenging gameplay. As with most Euros, the setting is just that... it's pasted on and so can be ignored just to enjoy the game's mechanics. Anyway, the player AND AI turns are quick. While the player has several actions to choose from as they manage their hand of cards, it's not difficult to choose the best action for the moment and simply do that. The AI is a very formidable opponent! And again, it's easy to run. It will take about half a game to get used to its sequence, but once that's been "internalized", the AI's turn takes about 20 seconds to execute. A superb solo challenge. BGG link: boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/247182/flashpoint-south-china-sea

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

I’ve been loving discovering all our games in a whole different light through the solo variants! It’s amazing. And just knowing games that I purchase in the future I can dive into solo as well as multiplayer! So exciting. Thank you for the recommendation! I’ll have to check it out! 😊👏🏻

[@wyatth2992]

I just found your channel. The first video that I saw you commented that it's cold in your basement, and now I definitely notice the heavier clothes. We were trying to help you with naming your segment, but everything we came up with just sounded dirty. Good luck to you. Keep up the good work.

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

Amazing! Welcome to the channel. Thanks for sticking around! And ahaha! I kept on coming up with weird/dirty sounding names as well. 🤣👏🏻

[@FostertheMeeple]

Love solo gaming but I always tend to lean towards smaller games for soloing, I don't know why ha I feel like all the set up can be a barrier for me! I love all three of these games so maybe I should give them a go!!

[@Keldroc]

Agreed 100% on Arnak's solo difficulty. First solo game I didn't even get halfway up the research track. It's a very different puzzle from the multiplayer game, and that's pretty cool. Some title suggestions of varying quality: Three 4 One Triple Threat Solitair-three Solo Trio Solo Terzetto Solitary Trinary Trichotomous & Autonomous

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

Yeah the strategy is completely different in a solo game! I’m excited to play it even more and explore the strategies. 😊 and that’s for all the great title suggestions!

[@lamfgames]

I want to get Honey Buzz so bad! Those components are beautiful! 😍

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

It’s so pretty! 🥰

[@fabianmugny2428]

Since you like the game Concordia, you should get the solo variant Solitaria. I find it's a lot of fun playing against the AI. You know which action the AI will play because it depends on what you do...I find it challenging but in a good way. Would love to see you review this solo expansion one day.

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

It’s definitely on my list! It sounds great! 😊👏🏻

[@Lindraden]

Lost Ruins of Arnak is one of my favourite solo games! The WebApp for the solo mode makes it so you don't have to use the cards. I run it off my iPad on the side. I've not tried the campaign though Definitely try to play it with expedition leaders it's great!

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

Ohh I didn’t know you could control the AI with an app! Amazing! Thank you. And yes I’ll definitely play it with the expansion! 😊

[@starshocker]

I really enjoyed my solo playthrough of Honey Buzz and Cartographers (didn't play it multiplayer so I couldn't compare for the ambushes)

[@danicas.4484]

the solo for Ark Nova is really good. still a long set up, but i dont feel like im missing out on too much of the gameplay by playing the solo vs playing with others

[@TimChuon]

Me waiting for your august gaming wrap up 👀

[@bradjohnston8825]

Three times a lady is a famous song from the 70s So, "3 games by a lady" as a title suggestion. Cool sweater btw.

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

Haha love that! And thank you!!

[@jordanw2741]

What would be interesting is if you did a video describing what you (in your infinite wisdom and experience) feel makes a good solo game or solo variant. You touched on some here, but I'd love to hear what you've learned!

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

Ohhhh that’s a fantastic video idea!! It’s been added to the list! 😊 and lol my infinite wisdom and experience. 🤣👏🏻

[@CiboFidian]

I highly recommend the cartographers app! It's a solo only app but there are 2 high score challenges per week. I already played 1000+ games with this app. 😁

[@darin-ka]

Jenna, do you still have your solo playthrough available on Twitch? Thank you so much, really do enjoy your videos ❤

[@linettem]

Gardening solo!

[@verwulf]

Have you tried the download able campaign for Lost Ruins Of Arnak. I LOVE it. if you haven, try it out. I've done all levels of difficulty. I just got the expansion so I'll try the campaign with the. next.

[@angelarosano4598]

Is honey buzz medium light mode.I’m new to solo game. Out of the three which one is easier

[@KyveliGR]

Go for: Terraforming Mars solo, Feast for Odin solo, Lisboa solo, Ark Nova solo, Everdell solo, Wingspan solo, Viticulture solo, Concordia solo! For easier games go for Calico solo, Cascadia solo! 🎉

[@markusl6412]

Thank you :)

[@hecate_oh777]

I only play solo (I already said that!!), hence all my games can be played solo, with a variant included in the rulebook or created by fans. For example the Azul solo variant is very good! Since the different containments publishers have developed more solo variants for their games.I think it's an added value for selling a BG. I enjoy Cartographers very much, but: I feel compelled to draw the buildings, monsters, trees, rivers with little boats & fishes... with coloured pencils! Then, the game lasts more than a hour and a half! So I don't play as often as I'd like (I know that's ludicrous!) roll/flip...n' write as well as abstract games/puzzle games suits particularly for solo variants I think. But bigger ones like Cthulhu Death May Die, The Eldritch Horror or Ark Nova for example are very fun when played solo I don't know the two other games, however I know they're very good. Honey Buzz is attracting me very much, but I'd like to test the Isle of Cats before. My game of the moment is Wild Seregenti: I find it so pleasant to play, beautiful satisfying and the animeeples are so cute! And Akropolis, the Mazescapes (I like mazes!); I still have to test Vivid Memories (I discovered it on your channel!) and Iki (there's a solo variant, but I don't know if it has been translated in English. I bought the game months ago, shame on me!!!!) Thanks for this video! Have a good week!

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

I love that solo rules are becoming more of a common thing included in games! And I also love that fans are making solo rules for others to enjoy! It’s great! 😊 That is a great way to really enjoy the journey of Cartographers! I love that. And I’m sure it looks amazing at the end. I need to get some pencil crayons and start. Also I think you will really enjoy Honey Buzz and Isle Of Cats! Both are so much fun!

[@hecate_oh777]

@@TheBoardGameGarden thanks for your answer!

[@kelly_kpb]

Solo flowers!

[@dilandoalbatou7522]

A small suggestion for Cartographer: You should really use colored pencils! It makes the game so much better. 😉

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

I need to try this! I’ve seen so many people do it and it ends up looking great! 😊👍🏻

[@KyveliGR]

Go for: Terraforming Mars solo, Feast for Odin solo, Lisboa solo, Ark Nova solo, Everdell solo, Wingspan solo, Viticulture solo! For easier games go for Calico solo, Cascadia solo! 🎉

[@chunkcurtis85]

If you like thunderwork games, I recommend playing roll player with the monsters and minions expansion. I also like spirit island with all the expansions.

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

Yeah I definitely want to dive into more of the Roll Player stuff by Thunderworks! That whole world looks like a lot of fun and super interesting! And they have that new game called Dawn Of Ulos coming soon as well. 👍🏻

[@rickrivera827]

PROJECT L has a compelling solo mode that’s quick and easy.

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

Yes! Project L has been on my wishlist for awhile! 😊👏🏻

[@donorush]

Yes!!! Solo!!! The pandemic got me into solo board gaming big-time. I'm at the point that if a game doesn't have a solo variant, I won't buy it.

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

Yeah I’ve been starting the feel the same way!! I’m so much for inclined to buy a game if there is a solo variant. You are really able to get your moneys worth that way. 👍🏻

[@sebastianruizromo637]

Looking at the kallax behind you, you could try Viticulture, Spirit Island and maybe another PnP you might have?

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

I just recently played Viticulture solo and that was great! Spirit Island is one I would love to get to the table solo in the future! It’s been fun so far but it’s a difficult one!

[@leepatterson2167]

Solo Trio!

[@leepatterson2167]

Another possible name... Jenna's solo gems.

[@zenzin7725]

Tri-Solo!

[@darrenbillups1322]

Viticulture is excellent solo

[@albertschlosser3190]

Could you review solo chess please?

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

🤣 good one. Honestly I have been wanting to learn chess for real though!

[@stormburns]

Oh wow we've been playing the solo rules for the ambush cards at multiplayer, unknowingly! Oopsie!

[@apollonia6656]

PS: How about Soloists Corner.

[@mathitagain8339]

How about “Solo Trios” for a name?

[@gabekoehler]

She’s hot.