Should I Play Photosynthesis?
Players: 2 – 4 players | Game Duration 30 – 60 mins |
Min. Age 10+ | Game complexity: EASY Genre: Abstract Strategy, Environmental
Solo game mode: No | Co-op: No |
Online Version: No
What is Photosynthesis about?
Photosynthesis is a game with beautiful components.
In this game, you compete to grow your trees higher than your opponents. The board represents the forest where all trees grow. Players start on the board with a small-sized tree. Each player’s board stores their spare trees and seeds.
Gameplay involves the following phases:
- Photosynthesis
The sun on the board is moved to the next location clockwise and players score Light points based on the trees that are exposed to the sun. Each tree that can see the sun will score Light Points. Trees need to be in the direct path of the Sun, and cannot be in the shadows of another tree. Depending on their size, trees can cast a shadow of 1/2/3 spaces. Taller trees in a shadow, however, can overcome this.
- Life Cycle
During this phase, players spend light points performing actions such as Buying Trees or Seeds, Planting a Seed, Growing a Tree, Collecting Score Tokens by scoring their large trees.
When all players have taken their actions, the start player is passed to the next player, and the next round starts with the Sun moving in one position clockwise. When the sun completes its third revolution, the game ends. Players count up the points on their Scoring Tokens and the player with the highest score wins.
Rules
Photosynthesis Videos
Awards Won by Photosynthesis
2019 Hungarian Board Game Award Special Prize Winner
2018 UK Games Expo Best Board Game (European Style) People’s Choice Winner
2018 Mensa Select Winner
2018 Guldbrikken Best Adult Game Nominee
2018 Årets Spill Best Family Game Nominee
2017 Meeples’ Choice Nominee
2017 Golden Geek Most Innovative Board Game Nominee
2017 Golden Geek Best Family Board Game Nominee
2017 Golden Geek Best Board Game Artwork & Presentation Winner
2017 Golden Geek Best Board Game Artwork & Presentation Nominee
2017 Board Game Quest Awards Best Production Values Nominee
