Tend Board Game First Impressions
When we write about games on GamesReviews.com we generally go with a two article approach: a components overview and impressions article and then a review. Every once in a while, though, we deviate from that path because we have a unique experience to review. Sometimes that’s a campaign or legacy game, and when it comes to Tend, it’s because the game has so many choices, some of which we just haven’t explored enough. So while a review of Tend is on the way, call this an early impressions opinion of the game.
What a game. Tend provides so many choices, and while this might be classified as a flip and write, don’t be mistaken by that title. Yes, you do some flip and writing, but you are also rolling dice, scratching cards, ticking up dice, satisfying conditions for badges and points, and so much more. And while I hope this doesn’t scare you off, the core concepts in Tend are not that difficult to understand, but the game itself would easily be classified as a higher medium difficulty, bordering on hard. What I like about Tend, though, is there is so much to discover and so many paths to take.
I do a ton of research before playing games, and watching videos published by IV Studio was where I started. I love when companies create their own how-to-play video’s because they can provide insights like a third party content creator just cannot. In the case of Tend, one piece of advice from Zac stuck with me: major in one things, minor in another. If you try too much, you aren’t going to have success. When a game offers up so much choice – mining, fishing, chopping, farming, animal husbandry, resource stockpiling, upgrades, yada yada – it is insanely hard to take that advice. I quickly learned it was sound consul though, as what Zac said is very true: you cannot do everything and be successful.
The game works in such a way that 5 cards will be visible each round providing you options for your two action choices. And while you might try to focus on two things, you ultimately are forced into doing a little bit of everything. Perhaps the cards you want aren’t available this turn, or the bonus actions on a card are locked behind progression in another area of the game. I like this aspect of Tend. Sure, the advice is to focus heavily one thing, and a little bit on another, but to be truly successful you need to determine how much time you should spend on those outside tasks that you aren’t looking for much from, but know you need in the future.
Even when my strategy has fallen apart, though, the sheer excitement of exploration keeps me coming back and playing more. There is something immensely satisfying about scratching off your mining and chopping card, rolling dice to see what you might catch, and filling up your cargo area with tons of different resources. And as you play, you realize potential points and resources are all over: points for badges, points for cargo, free resources when helping neighbors, extra turns from energy bars, and so much more.
I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface of Tend in my half dozen plays, so I’m excited to explore this experience more. We will have a full review of Tend soon, so stay tuned! You can check out all of our favourite IV Studio games by clicking this link!
Article By Adam
