Bosk

Grow trees in spring, cover the park with leaves in autumn and fight for regions in winter.

Designers: Erica Bouyouris, Daryl Andrews
Published by: Floodgate Games
Editions by: Maldito Games, Galápagos Jogos, Matagot, Cranio Creations, Mandoo Games

Bosk (2019) is an abstract game about trees in a national park, played over four seasons. In spring you grow your eight trees, numbered one to four, on the intersections of a grid. In summer hikers walk the trails, and trees along them score. In autumn leaves fall in a direction set by the shifting wind, covering terrain and the leaves of other players. In winter, points go to whoever has the most coverage in each region of the park. Two seasons of play, two of scoring, and each one is different. Two to four players, about forty minutes, with a calm look and some sharp elbows.

Four unique seasons in one gameTrees numbered one to fourLeaves driven by the wind

Who it's for

You like abstract area-majority games with a natural look, and a short game that plays well with three or four players.

Not for you if…

You want a lot of theme-driven narrative or a very relaxed game with no needling. Leaves covering other people's leaves can get pointed.

Vibe's take

Calm to look at, quietly competitive underneath. You place a tree, watch the wind and slowly realise how much of your leaf coverage depends on other people's choices.