Takenoko (CZ: board game

Product detailed description

Takenoko: Cultivate the Imperial Garden and Outsmart the Panda

After years of tension, peace between China and Japan is sealed with an unusual gift: a giant panda. As a court gardener in Takenoko, you are tasked by the Japanese Emperor to create a bamboo sanctuary for this sacred animal. Designed by Antoine Bauza, creator of the award-winning 7 Wonders, this board game offers a perfect blend of visual charm and strategic depth for families and seasoned players alike.

Tactical Growth and Environmental Shifts

The garden expands dynamically through 28 land tiles that require careful irrigation. Every turn begins with a roll of the Weather Die, which dictates your tactical advantages—from extra actions under the sun to moving the panda during a storm. Players select two out of five possible actions each turn, focusing on expanding the landscape, building canals, or stimulating the growth of green, yellow, and pink bamboo.

The Triple Path to Victory

The core of the game lies in 46 secret objective cards. To win, you must master three distinct strategic elements:

• Plot Layout: Arranging tiles in specific geometric and color patterns.

• Horticulture: Growing bamboo stalks to precise heights.

• Panda Management: Directing the panda to consume specific combinations of bamboo shoots.

Interaction is high, as players often share similar goals. A move intended to help one gardener might inadvertently complete an opponent's objective. The game ends once a player fulfills their quota of cards, keeping the pace brisk and the tension high until the final score.