Bonsai Review: Find The Beauty Within

[@Tarryk]

My wife and I have played through this a few times at our local game lounge, at both 2-player and 3-player tables, and we absolutely love Bonsai, we immediately ordered it. We find it to be VERY "zen", quick and light, and probably the least competitive of the competitive games I've ever played. We're always each so involved at getting a really nice tree with a tertiary focus on point scoring, we rarely have any idea who might be doing better until end of game, and it's often pretty close scores. The final score feels almost arbitrary because it comes down to whether or not someone just happened to draft a point-boost parchment and also ended up with a ton of that particular thing. We just like the trees. A lot. 8/10

[@boopmann]

@Dice Tower: bonsai trees are actually quite expensive - the real ones from Japan. Most of the trees found within the US are not genuine or are grown using cheap saplings. I have have had the privilege of living in Japan for the past 10 years and have visited several bonsai gardens. Most of these trees can cost upwards of $500 - $5000 dollars depending on how old it is. Some even twice or three times that amount if it is over 100 years or more. A lot of the trees will also come with a certificate of authenticity to show the heritage of the tree, who its caretaker was, and approximately how old it is. Bonsai are quite the serious business on this side of the world.

[@jamesx9767]

Could you tell the difference between bonsai trees from the US and Japan?

[@boopmann]

@@jamesx9767 can you tell the difference between a Lamborghini and a Toyota? - in answer to your question, absolutely. There is a vast difference between the two. The first one being what type of tree is used. Most people are aware of the evergreen. But other popular indoor Bonsai include the Dwarf Jade, Ficus, Fukien, Schefflera, Sakura, and the Sageretia tree. This isn't all of them, but a few. Another identifying outlier includes the authentication documents that come with the tree. These aren't necessary if you're just in the hobby to enjoy the art or just want to be creative with your pruning. But, a lot of professional caretakers here take the art seriously, which is why a tree that is over 100-years old can cost thousands of dollars. Another detail is how the tree has been cared for. The stems, bark, and trunk can explain a lot about the condition of the tree and the quality of care that has been tended to the tree. It sounds tedious, and it absolutely is, but the end result of the art is a priceless treasure for those that enjoy it.

[@brianb5145]

I appreciate your thoughts. We are lighter-weight gamers in my family, so I think Bonsai will be a hit. My son's fiancee' speaks Japanese and loves the culture, so I'm also gifting them a copy. I'm sure they'll enjoy it.

[@BGcam]

Sounds like a great gift!

[@JasonHuebel]

I haven't been watching Dice Tower in a while, but whenever you added scoring at the end of reviews, that was a great addition. And for the most part, I've agreed with your scores as well. Great review.

[@crosscutgames]

I nearly got this one at GEN CON this year. But I passed on it at the last minute as I wasn't sure how replayable it would be. I think I would share Tom's view. Still, might pick it up at some point - it is a theme I love and it does look pretty!

[@MrMoreMoe]

By placing the cards on the other side they don't go underneath the board they go on top of each other.

[@TylerAndToast]

This looks like not only a better game than azul (which i thoroughly enjoy), but also so so pretty! Can't wait to get it

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

I am looking into this game because my brother loves Bonsais. I believe we'll enjoy it.

[@jminnick1990]

“Right hand circle left hand circle?” Sir are you referring to sand the floor or wax on, wax off??

[@Jootie_de_Kop]

Why don´t you show the game credits anymore? Designer? Artist? Publisher?

[@Jootie_de_Kop]

Year?

[@wilabewi1001]

Amazing how after years of doing reviews, when Tom is showing the different types of tiles in this game, his hand is still blocking the view.

[@billie1438]

😂

[@Proximityillusions]

Guys, guys, guys! How can you be using so many Karate Kid quotes and not know that it’s not pronounced like the Japanese battle cry, “Banzai!” It’s “bone”-“sai,” with an O and an S sound, not an A and Z sound! I’m sorry, I love you guys, but that just bothers me. Rahdo did it, too!

[@lastburning]

Letters can be whatever in English.

[@Proximityillusions]

@@lastburning, it's not English. It's a Japanese word with a specific pronunciation. Americans who have watched The Karate Kid movies should know better.

[@ianoble]

Beginning of rules explanation looks out of focused.