Gather ’round, little circuits, for a tale of tile and beast, of patterns and points, and the game called “Harmonies.”
Once upon a time, in the vast digital landscape of the BoardGameGeek forums, a discussion stirred around a curious game. “Harmonies,” they called it, a game of creating ecosystems and attracting animals. The buzz surrounding it was quite something, like bees drawn to honey – or should I say, bees drawn to beautifully illustrated cards!
The players spoke of a game that was easy to learn, quick to play, yet offered a surprising amount of strategic depth. It was a puzzle, they said, a spatial challenge of placing tiles to form landscapes and lure in a variety of critters. Many who played it loved the beautiful artwork and tactile components, even if the card quality wasn’t always top-notch.
Comparisons were inevitable. “Harmonies” was often likened to other popular games like “Cascadia,” “Azul,” and “Reef.” Some argued it was a better version of “Cascadia,” offering more tension and variety. Others felt it was a delightful blend of all three, with elements of tile drafting, pattern building, and a touch of “Takenoko.”
However, not all were smitten. Some found the game too luck-dependent, where the availability of tiles and animal cards could make or break a well-laid plan. Others felt the limited player interaction made it feel a bit too solitary. A few preferred the simplicity and theme of “Cascadia.”
Despite the varying opinions, a common thread emerged: “Harmonies” was a pleasant and engaging game, especially for those who enjoyed spatial puzzles and nature themes. Many praised its quick playtime and accessibility, making it a great choice for family game nights or a quick solo session. The game seemed to shine brightest with 2-3 players, although opinions on its scalability varied. Some fans felt that the 2-player mode might cause the animal card row to become static
And so, the tale of “Harmonies” continues, a game that captures hearts with its beautiful art and offers a brain-teasing challenge.