Tang Garden Review - with Tom Vasel

[@rafapieczynski5192]

As a person that loves tile-placement strategy games, deep games I found TangGarden facinating. Decisions seem small but after a few games - when you learn all the character powers and how to properly setup yourself for the next turn (when possible) it becomes such a wonderful experience for me. I agree that the component although beautiful could use some tweaking as they cover a lot of visible space. Never tuck in the panoramas as the icons are too small and are not as visible as would like them to be. The GoldenAge expansion adds a bit more of everything and gives you a lot of depth with the new characters, scenarios - rule sets, tiles, panoramas, decorations. I find the expansion to be essential - new characters bring a lot to the game with balance tweaks that make this game a lot better.

[@protoklown]

I've only played this game once with my fiance, and we really loved it. We both see this as a game we'd like to play more of, but I especially want to try it with more players after Covid-19 is over. I do agree about the miniatures, especially the base colors that are way too hard to tell apart, but I'm going to paint the minis, which should alleviate that problem.

[@Andrew.Griffin]

I've tried games and felt that same way before (no soul in the game). Terra Mystica comes to mind as one. I fear Vindication is another, which I own. However, Tang Garden worked for me, I think, for a few reasons: (1) I don't own or play other tile placement games, which makes this one more unique to me, (2) my biggest complaint about the artwork was the size of the symbols on the small cards for decorations, but after 1 game I got their basic system, and (3) I have the KS version with wooden tokens, which may be easier to see? I didn't have a problem discerning between the tokens on the board or the latterns, and the KS version may have thicker, upgraded landscape tiles that fit into the slots better? Also, (4) I didn't expect much, and after almost a 2 year wait, was afraid this was going to end up just being pretty. Instead, I found that it is a slow, relaxed playing experience enhanced by the aesthetics. Maybe there's nothing new here, but it is different in my collection, and after playing it 3 times now, and I'm still willing to play it some more. My biggest complaint are the tiles with the red brick edges that can be placed anywhere. I really hate those, they mess up the look of the garden when just put out in the middle. I'd rather they were only for the border of the garden. I keep threatening to go through the tiles and see if I can remove enough of them that it won't affect the game, but I think there's too many of them.

[@WhatUpRob]

That line, “The game was more effort than it gave back in satisfaction” is how I feel about Scythe, Tapestry, Viticulture, Concordia, and some others if I spent time thinking. That is a good line, maybe a helpful tool is deciding if you want to own a game.

[@Mark-OutWest]

"Viticultue" *shudders*. I feel asleep watching playthroughs of that game.

[@aonline_abridged]

I want to love the game, and I'm still giving it a place in my shelves to give it more plays, because is so gosh darn pretty.....but man, Tom preached the truth in my heart here.

[@SebastianLondon]

It's always worth having a look at Tom's reviews, he is the ONE board game reviewer after all. Said that, I really really enjoy Tang Garde, simple enough to learn ( and play with my Mrs), very pretty for Its components, there is a good level of strategy so it never gets boring nor repetitive. One thing I definitely agree with Tom very much is the fact that is quite hard to read and spot the iconography and panorama tokens on the board, these components could have had a better contrast to spot them quickly. It is also true that after a few plays you start to recognise and spot more or less everything despite they seem to hide/camouflage on the board. Said that, overall I and my Mrs REALLY enjoy this game ! Its real fun to play and it is also a beautiful board to look at the more components you place on it! This is one of those board games that will never leave my shelf!

[@TheBrokenMeeple]

Ouch! I think I get into the building of the beautiful garden as well as the tile placement mechanic and with easy rules that's always a plus. But I agree, the graphic design is the weakest part and analysis paralysis can be an issue!

[@micah4797]

I love this game (to the point that I think it actually beats Carcassonne for me, a game which I also love). But I do agree with some of the graphic design complaints, particularly the indistinct miniatures and their directional facing. It's just that for me it didn't end up detracting from the quality of the fun decisions and thematic depth. To each their own, though!

[@theearlyresetband]

I just got done painting the minis - haven’t played the game- but I’m hoping the painted minis help with some of the complaints I’ve seen

[@pczplughead]

I agree with the review here, I played it and the rules were tricky to 'get' despite not being that complex. Also it felt like the card collection was definitely the way to go - lining up to get your guy looking at scenery yielded far fewer points than just hoovering up cards. Now, as I say, we struggled with the rules (playing online, so...) so could easily just have been us getting stuff wrong!

[@codydavis3100]

I'm excited for their other one Iwari even though they also apparently a yellow/orange problem with totem components. The only thing that KS added were more boards and scoring cards.

[@andrewsutton1657]

I passed on the kickstarter for this... But after a few plays on line regret doing so. I'll be looking for this at retail...

[@AthexTube]

Thanks for this great review Tom. I haven't played this game yet but your review is making me glad I skipped over the Kickstarter. I am generally not a fan of a simplistic game that gets a ton of rules and complexity added. I think the best complex games are ones that probably start out as way too complex and the mechanisms and rules are tuned/stripped back. It does have a really amazing look though!

[@narika_a]

I looove the art of this game! The gameplay seems nice too, kind of reminds me of Carcassonne. Might invest into getting this along with the new Seasons expansion.

[@Mark-OutWest]

I love reviews like this! You just cut through all the flash and surface appeal, and for me, really ferret out the "but is it fun" factor? I've always had a draw to Chinese/Japanese artsy looking games. Visually this is a very striking game, other than that ugly white board. Its doesn't pass the fun factor for me though. When you said soulless, that was the nail in the coffin. Thanks again Tom!

[@drxsmetalhippie]

This is a weird game. On one hand it’s gorgeous and it is fun. The tension between placing tiles or drawing cards is really exciting in my experience. There’s more here than Tom implied, albeit simple mechanisms we’ve seen before. However, on the other hand this game is the definition of KS bloat. Everything gets in the way so much so that I replaced the obnoxiously large pagodas with small wooden ones. And the icons on the landscape tiles are frustratingly small. This game desperately needed to strike a better design balance between icon legibility and preserving the art. Not to mention a player aid would be great. So is this a good game? I think so. There’s fun to be had if you can accept beforehand that the designers put a lot of priority on aesthetics and be ok with looking around the garden a lot.

[@andrewsutton1657]

there is a player aid on the manufacturers website

[@drxsmetalhippie]

@@andrewsutton1657 its basically a condensed rulebook though. A single card or small board would've been great.

[@andrewsutton1657]

I also agree more with your review than Tom's. I like this game (though since lock-down due the virus, i've played it more on Tabletopia!) The group I play with all have problems with the icons, but a few plays helps recognise them a bit better) I have yet to try any of the expansions (again due to lock-down) but look forward to doing so. I agree about a player aid card... though there might be a lot to cram on there :)

[@stevenchow5318]

Absolutely agree! Thank you Tom for being honest! I wish I saw your review before I bought the game.

[@evywille6577]

I think the rulebook is confusing and leaves a lot of room to argue. I agree with Tom that the terrain type on the tiles was often unclear, and made us recheck the rulebook over and over. Still need to play the game a couple more times to form my final opinion on it

[@kevindriske3354]

Absoutely disagree with the majority of Toms complaints, but that is fine, we all have our subjective opinions on games and negative reviews are always welcome.

[@tabletopsolomate]

Just came to point out that the game ends when 3 or more landscape TOKENS are left on the board, not the actual landscape tiles themselves. And when influencing a character you choose which one of the two to put on the board, which one to keep for ongoing bonuses. Other than that, I think this game is really fun, beats Carcassonne or Isle of Skye anytime. Getting used to the iconography is a matter of playing regularly and which kind gamer you are. Try Eklund designs.

[@ilporcellino9820]

Hit the nail on the head with this review, Tom - I feel exactly the same way and passed on my KS copy after one disappointing play - too many better games out there

[@danh2023]

I agree Tom. I was so excite to get this game and play it. When we finished our first game I just didn’t have that sense of satisfaction (even though I won). I’ve played several times since and if it weren’t for the artwork I’d probably pass on playing it. I love that artwork. It’s a 6 out if 10 for me. I’ll keep it but I don’t know how often we will get it to the table. I should mention the box is big-Star Wars Rebellion big-keep that in mind if you purchase it.

[@andymcguire237]

I respectfully disagree, having actually played it and subsequently bought it. The game is fun and has just enough replayability to warrant purchase. The components can be a bit of a nuisance, but that was very minor IMHO. Like Tapestry, gamers seems divided on this one (at least in this comment section).

[@JosephFlemming]

I agree with all the complaints about component beauty over ease of use. Especially icons and the colored bases being similar. We had rules questions and after 2 games I don't have a distinct desire to play that often. It NEEDS player aids and admittedly there are some nice ones on BGG. I want to love the game and love the theme so I know I'll give it more tries.

[@bagookster]

Thank you for your honesty sir.

[@aaronegerman2485]

Great review Tom, couldn't agree more. Its a fun one to get out with some people who don't really play games, and its nice to look at but I don't think I will play it very often. Little too fiddly

[@dpearson588]

What is your actual rating for the game? Surprised those aren't in the videos

[@tychay]

Danny Pearson It is a 5, you can follow him on BGG.

[@dpearson588]

No component drop?!?!?

[@alexkaiser8478]

boardgames taking drugs.. “Oh I’m big and strong, look at me now!!” 😂😂😂

[@ktshipman21]

Did anyone who has this game have issues with the landscapes/trees peeling?

[@tychay]

Kiefer Shipman Some did with the landscapes. I hadn’t heard about the trees peeling. If you have this issue, you should contact them.

[@jessicaw2137]

Yes, the pagoda punchboard was also completely falling apart. We and several others are still waiting for the replacement parts. This company has the worst customer support I have ever encountered.

[@bold1066]

I just miss the component drop. Art looks great.

[@bradtaylor5756]

I agree with Tom about 50% of the time, when our tastes in games overlap. I asked to borrow this from a friend because I really wanted to try it. After playing I was left confused if I liked what I just experienced. The visual was nice, but I didn't feel satisfied with the overall game. I played a few more times and decided it wouldn't be a game a would actually own. I often found myself just setting up the next player. Glad to see I wasn't the only one left thinking "its ok". I would play it with friends, but will not purchase for myself.

[@Ipazc]

It feels like the pieces should be a 1/4 of the tile and shorter (like the plastic pieces of the spanish version of catan). Should look equally beautiful, maybe even more.

[@ries9422]

Small correction on your pronunciation : It's pronounced "T-ah-ng", as it's a reference to the Tang Dynasty of China. (唐朝) Also gonna respectfully disagree with the review; having played it twice now it's actually a really fun, relaxing game that has massive replayability factor

[@pauljones2261]

I found that the icons are too small and difficult to see. The small screens are hidden by the large screens on the edge closest to you. Terrain is cover up by trees and pagodas. It felt like often your best move was obvious. Taking cards is hugely random and could result in nothing or a combo that gives you great score. 4 out of 10

[@koalalapimpo4982]

well it is like carcassonne with more stuff for less expansion. No need to be harsh ^^

[@mike_heller]

100% agree. I got rid of my KS copy almost immediately.

[@artdogez]

The set collection of the cards reminded me a lot of Sushi Go. The rest of the game was convoluted to me so I only focused on the Sushi Go strategy. I literally did nothing else, but draw cards the entire game, AND I WON! This game was lame to me after that. I love Sushi Go! I'll play that instead.

[@EfrainRiveraJunior]

I loved this game but I wouldn’t purchase it unless they make a better production. Miniature trees, wooden components, etc.

[@konstantinstepanov5461]

Looks like an overcomplicated Takenoko

[@AJ-nc4vr]

The first time I played this, it was with someone with a visual impairment. I felt like utter trash for bringing it to the table, it was so damn difficult for us without VI to see the iconography, let alone for our friend. I like the game, but the icons have severely tarnished the experience.

[@jameswoodard4304]

Pagodas = Japanese. "Tang" = Chinese. Also, those are open pavilions not enclosed, multi-story towers which is what pagodas are.

[@Physiology-E-Paathshala]

This one looks like Carcassonne 2.0

[@FreakinFred08]

seems closer to Alhambra than Carcassonne.

[@Syncopator]

Too much effort making it look pretty and not enough making it a great game. This will make me more skeptical of any future KS games by ThunderGryph, as KS is often more about perception than what actually gets delivered.

[@Vicioussama]

Why not just play Carcossa?

[@LookAtTheBacon]

Because its ugly, overly random, and just simply outdated. Tang Garden is the WAY superior game. Try it out yourself if you find the chance.

[@TheWildernessEnthusiast]

10:48 hahahahaha

[@JumpOnYourHead]

Guess why so many people hype the game? Kickstarter investment bias.

[@jasonnewell7036]

I did back it, but with the delays, I write it off. But I was pleasantly surprised by how good the game was.

[@yazpib]

Guess why so many people love Wingspan? Monetary Investment. Your argument works across the board. How about the fact that we're not all the same and some of us actually enjoy the game and thus create hype about the games we enjoy. Novel Thought.

[@theshogunstein6475]

Try 100 Torii

[@kanedafx]

I really enjoyed the gameplay, but the pretty components are a barrier to play.

[@natlrd695]

My first first lol

[@lexodius]

Well done ;)

[@Valcurdra]

This game stinks imo, one of the worst gaming experiences I had this year. You identified the flaws perfectly, they just bothered me a lot though. Looks good, but it's not functional, your constantly checking these tiny symbols on a cluttered board. Very low decision space even for a light game. Your just a victim each turn of what tiles happen available or alternatively a random card draw, as the game progresses you tend to narrow your focus so you really need to get certain things and just can't have any control. Them there is this wierd highly strategic element of picking you hero/leader whatever they are called that can cause massive AP and has no place in a light game. Sorry this one is just a mess.