Viticulture 10 Years On: A retrospective - has it matured like a fine wine?

[@philipdennis7820]

It’s always good to hear a designer’s perspective on other games. I’m a big Viticulture fan and have no problems with the way the cards introduce an element of luck. If I wanted my wine with less luck I’d go for Vinhos but then I’d be missing out on Viticulture’s charm. Dedicated gamers should realise that introducing a small element of luck into games gives the less experienced player an opportunity to win. The experienced player can still appreciate the tactics of making the best use of their visitor cards. The scoring mechanism is one I enjoy. It adds a tension to the last 2 rounds of each game as you wonder whether you might be the only player to edge over the 20 point mark or to wait another round to score higher than others who’ve also hit 20.

[@AdaminWales]

Thanks Phil - good to hear your thoughts on the game.

[@mattsmith6558]

Your points on the chance element and game end condition are the two things that have always stopped me buying Viticulture. But I think that's very subjective to what I want from my board games. Great review.

[@AdaminWales]

Thanks Matt - I don’t think you’re alone in those thoughts (the comments under this video attest to that). But clearly not everyone agrees since the game is enormously popular!

[@MisterG2323]

Another top-flight commentary, well done! Viticulture isn't one of my favorites, but I admire it as a solid piece of product. Too much luck of the draw for my taste, and too little interaction, but I can see its attraction for that style of player. I still need to track down a copy of Vinhos for some serious comparative study; my recollection is that it was a much tougher bit of business.

[@AdaminWales]

Thanks Geoff - glad you enjoyed the video.

[@TisButAScratch666]

Another good one Adam! Toyed with getting this one for a while, just a little problem of storage! :(

[@ExtraDave]

Hey Adam, I've been loving your content for a while now! I've got into the hobby over the last year or so and I absolutely love it. I'm also form South Wales and wondered if you knew of any gaming groups or meet-ups? I would really love to dive into a lot more games of varying mechanics and complexity. I've introduced some friends to some games and had some great game nights but I don't wanna overwhelm them too much :)

[@AdaminWales]

Hi Dave - I haven’t attended any gaming groups since the start of the pandemic, but I used to go along to the Sunday group at Chapter in Cardiff. And I’m sure there are groups playing out of the fantastic new Firestorm gaming centre in Leckwith.

[@ExtraDave]

@@AdaminWales Great! thank you

[@jamesbrazeal3847]

Informative as always. Thanks for the analysis 👍

[@AdaminWales]

Thanks James - glad you enjoyed it.

[@deborahpate3238]

Very fair review. I would have been tempted to mark Viticulture down a further notch because the luck of the cards really detracts from the game for me, but I think the game's popularity shows you're right, and I'm just curmudgeonly :)

[@AdaminWales]

Thanks Deborah - yeah, a lot of people don’t like those card draws - but for others it adds to the appeal!

[@bruceknight3720]

Not played this one yet, as it previously seemed quite intimidating to me. It's popular with my gaming group, and I now feel inspired to give it a go. So long as we can play Grasshopper Poker as a warm up.

[@AdaminWales]

I played Knizia’s Heckmeck Am Karteneck (Pickomino the card game) this afternoon. It feels a lot like Grasshopper Poker crossed with For Sale - highly recommended.

[@WillyToulouse]

Brilliant!

[@AdaminWales]

Thanks!