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Description
TAKE A DEEP BREATH, AND RELAX...
You have come to the lake hoping to see a rare and beautiful sight. The lilies of the lake only open their blossoms in the rain, and only rarely do all eight kinds of lily bloom at once. The goal of A Gentle Rain is to place the lake tiles in such a way to cause all eight types of lilies to bloom before you run out of tiles and the rain ends.
Place each new tile you draw next to a tile already in play, making sure to match the colors of all the tile edges touching the tile you are placing. Each time you manage to complete a square of four touching tiles, a blossom opens between them.
Keep Score, or don’t.
—description from the publisher
Year Published
2021
Featured Videos
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 17
This page: 17
Sentiment:
pos 16 ·
mix 0 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 1
Showing 1–17 of 17
Video wCEWo1btueY
brittany boarding reviews game_review at 0:16 sentiment: positive
video_pk 62335 · mention_pk 154847
Click to watch at 0:16 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- calming and relaxing experience
- easy to teach and quick to set up
- great for families and for solo play
- portable and space-efficient
Cons
- lacks high-tension moments or direct conflict
- may feel repetitive for players seeking heavy variability
Thematic elements
- cooperative tile placement to create flower patterns within a serene environment
- peaceful garden during gentle rain; focus on flowers and calm atmosphere
- calm, contemplative, puzzle-like
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Cooperative Game — players work together toward a single goal with low-pressure flow and shared scoring
- cooperative play — players work together toward a single goal with low-pressure flow and shared scoring
- pattern matching — place colored flowers in the center of a formed square, choosing from available petals
- scoring based on flowers and remaining tiles — points are earned for each flower placed; unused tiles also contribute to scoring
- tile placement — flip a new tile and place it to match edges with existing tiles to form a square patterns on the board
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's beautiful it's pretty it's serene it's peaceful it's wonderful
- this game really does try to get you into a certain mindset
- having a good time working together
- this quaint little game which i think is really cool honestly
- it's just so easy
- not going to have one of those stand up die roll moments
- you can just carry it with you
- that sounds relaxing
- this is definitely one you want to check out
- it's not necessarily about pushing yourself and mental strain to try to make this high score happen
- it's just so relaxing to play
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video ZyvzQhiwi04
Unknown Channel playthrough at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 61598 · mention_pk 154238
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Calming, cozy and easy to teach
- Short, approachable play sessions (~10 minutes)
- Beautiful design and components
- Rulebook emphasizes a relaxing atmosphere and social play
Cons
- May feel shallow to players seeking deep strategy
- Success depends on tile draw luck and planning to complete all eight flowers
Thematic elements
- calm, mindfulness, relaxation
- Lakeside garden/pond environment; tranquil natural scenery
- abstract puzzle-driven, non-narrative
Comparison games
- Kfire Chronicles
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Color matching and placement — Tiles must align by color to allow a flower to be placed in the center.
- End-of-round scoring and tile scarcity — Score 1 point per completed flower and 1 point per unused tile remaining in the draw/pool.
- Flower completion scoring — Complete flowers on the pond to gain points; blooms yield progress toward the goal.
- real-time — Designed for solo play with a relaxed, casual tempo.
- Solo/turn-based pace — Designed for solo play with a relaxed, casual tempo.
- tile drafting — Players draft tiles from a display to place on a pond grid.
- tile placement — Tiles must align by color to allow a flower to be placed in the center.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this is a gorgeous gorgeous game
- a very very cozy very easy game
- it's so relaxing
- the rule book as well is incredible
- I highly recommend it
- it's such a wonderful game I love it so much
- the rule book encourages relaxation and a calm playing environment
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 7rrG1aCjPvc
Danielle playthrough at 0:01 sentiment: positive
video_pk 60892 · mention_pk 153318
Click to watch at 0:01 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- compact, portable design
- beautiful minimalist art and components
- easy to teach and learn
- strong solo play option
- quality reprint with nice packaging
Cons
- very light in depth; may be too simple for some players
- tiles are one-sided (the reverse side is blank) which can limit replay variety
Thematic elements
- relaxation, nature, patience, bloom cycle
- Lakeside setting where the lilies bloom in rain
- abstract/puzzle-like with minimalist art
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Pattern recognition — Identify and arrange patterns to ensure all flower types bloom
- tile placement — Place lily tiles to create a layout in which all eight bloom varieties appear before tiles run out; solo or cooperative play
- Variable Set-up: Board — Lakeside tiles placed to create different bloom outcomes; one-sided tiles add difficulty
- variable setup/board — Lakeside tiles placed to create different bloom outcomes; one-sided tiles add difficulty
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's very easy
- a very compact solo game
- gorgeous box
- I really like games like this
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video At1LteUPuGk
Danielle playthrough at 0:05 sentiment: positive
video_pk 60952 · mention_pk 153362
Click to watch at 0:05 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- easy to learn / quick to play
- engaging blossom mechanic
- suitable for solo play
Cons
- limited space on the board can constrain strategy
- not very thinky; some players may want more depth
Thematic elements
- Array
- Not specified in discussion
- Abstract
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Blossom Tokens / Set Collection — Eight Blossom tokens correspond to flower types; blossom a correct token
- Enclosure / Circle Blossom — Blossom occurs when a enclosed circle is formed on the board
- End-game Scoring / Tile Management — Score equals eight points plus any remaining tiles when the eighth Blossom is placed; discard tiles when no space
- pattern matching — Tiles must match flower patterns on edges to complete a flower
- tile placement — Players place a tile that must edge-match an existing tile to form flowers
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this game is very easy to play
- it's quick it's not extremely thinky
- enclosed Circle
- you blossom one of these flowers
- to place a tile you have to match one of the four edges to an edge of an already placed tile
- I had a good time and I hope you did as well
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video mjZXKmP8-4w
Danielle playthrough at 3:24 sentiment: positive
video_pk 60891 · mention_pk 153317
Click to watch at 3:24 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Beautiful tile art and life-adding design elements (ducks, fish)
- Interlocking patterns are visually appealing
- Short playtime makes it good for quick sessions
- Relaxing and forgiving; okay to lose
Cons
- Some randomness can affect placement due to tiles drawn
- Potential for awkward gaps if blossoms don't match
Thematic elements
- Array
- Abstract floral puzzle set in a garden-like environment
- Minimal
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Pattern Building — Tiles must align with existing shapes to form matching halves around blossoms.
- Scoring based on Blossom count — End of round scoring counts completed blossoms and leftover tiles.
- tile placement — Players draw and place tiles to fit patterns and complete circle blossoms.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this is the type of game where it's okay if you lose like I I don't feel like I wasted my time
- you're creating this beautiful interlocking like uh Pond really or you know a lake it's just really pretty
- I played this game within 10 minutes so
- it's a lunch break game
- I actually really really love the design of the tiles
- this was a ton of fun
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video IplJyQOvlNs
Totally Tabled playthrough at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 31990 · mention_pk 94441
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Relaxing, cozy mood ideal for stress relief
- Simple rules that are easy to learn
- Satisfying puzzle when you achieve the blooming of all lilies
- Calming ambiance and soothing theme mentioned by the host
Cons
- Moments of frustration during tight placements
- Could feel slow or repetitive for some players
- Subtle color differences can challenge color recognition
Thematic elements
- calm, contemplative nature; growth and renewal through careful tile placement
- lakeside in the rain; lilies bloom when watered by rain
- solitary, meditative puzzle with a soothing atmosphere
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- color matching constraint — A placed tile must allow surrounding colors to align so lilies can bloom; misplacements block future options.
- Discard when illegal — If a drawn tile cannot be legally placed, it is discarded and play continues with the next tile.
- Endgame and Scoring — The game ends when the eighth blossom opens; scoring is one point per blossom plus one point per leftover tile.
- Hole creation and blooming — The goal is to completely surround circles to enable eight lilies to bloom before tiles run out.
- Solo puzzle loop — Designed for a single player, emphasizing planning, focus, and a calming play rhythm.
- tile placement — Players draw the top lake tile and place it to extend the board, aiming to enclose holes that allow lilies to bloom.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- a cozy game for one or more minds in need of a soothing reset
- This is an incredibly simple tile laying game
- I tell you, I'd feel more relaxed if some of these colors were coming up
- Hang in there everyone. And as always, thank you for watching
- I'm feeling a little bit better
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video hHjYZ0e_bO4
Board Game Garden top_10_list at 29:10 sentiment: positive
video_pk 30904 · mention_pk 91150
Click to watch at 29:10 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- high comfort factor
- very easy to learn
- great for stressful days
Cons
- could be too light for some players
Thematic elements
- Pattern matching and tile placement
- Calm city-building with flowers and colors
- Comforting, soothing puzzle experience
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- end game bonuses — Aim to place all tiles before running out
- endgame completion — Aim to place all tiles before running out
- flower placement puzzle — Place flowers based on surrounding colors to complete sets
- tile placement — Place tiles to form a 2x2 grid and fill a central circle with flowers
- tile placement and color matching — Place tiles to form a 2x2 grid and fill a central circle with flowers
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- these are going to be games that I found I was getting to the table quite often in 2024
- harmonies is fantastic I'm sure you've heard a ton about it throughout 2024
- the rules are extremely simple you're just placing in down tiles connecting the different colors
- a gentle rain is my favorite game of 2024
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Ympm8kS_QZA
Robert's Solo Board Games Channel top_50_list at 12:24 sentiment: positive
video_pk 13230 · mention_pk 38724
Click to watch at 12:24 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- extremely minimal setup
- portable in a slim package
- clean aesthetic
Cons
- theme may feel abstract or underwhelming to some
Thematic elements
- Calm, contemplative
- Minimalist, abstract tile-puzzle
- Procedural, non-narrative
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- tile placement — place tiles to form patterns and match halves; puzzle-driven
- token/tiles scoring — score based on tile arrangements and pattern completion
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's always your turn
- one of the best solo deck builders you can get
- this is one of the most impressive solo titles from GMT
- this is such a fantastic puzzle
- a masterpiece of minimalism
- it's such a satisfying card play
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video GIBNq6AuHCg
Unknown Channel top_10_list at 21:41 sentiment: positive
video_pk 9448 · mention_pk 27910
Click to watch at 21:41 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Masterclass in simplicity and minimalism
- Relaxing and perfect for winding down
Cons
- Out of print and hard to find; needs reprint
Thematic elements
- Minimalism and simplicity
- Calm, abstract garden-like puzzle
- Zen-like, relaxing
Comparison games
- Calm abstract puzzle games
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Minimal rule-set with few components — Low rules weight; easy to learn and quick to play
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's very thematic, basically a gamification of the process of creating a character in DND
- the AI opponent is very smooth and doesn't take a lot of upkeep
- it's one page front and back, that's it very, very simple rules
- this is known as a raw and ripe game and it's a pretty beloved genre
- the universe games come with mini expansion modules that add replayability
- an 18-card masterpiece
- print this right here to turn it into a flip and ride game
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video NAnVbPzru6Y
Monique playthrough at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 9265 · mention_pk 27374
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- zen-like, relaxing experience
- short play time (~15 minutes)
- compact, attractive components in a tiny box
- easy to teach and accessible for solo or co-op
- focus on process over competition; restorative feel
Cons
- tile distribution memorization can help strategy but not required; some luck involved
- not ideal for players seeking heavy strategy or competitiveness
- endgame requires perfect blossoms; can feel challenging
Thematic elements
- cozy, meditative tile-placement puzzle focused on nature and calm
- A lakeside landscape where rain triggers the blooming of eight lilies as you lay out lake tiles.
- instructional, narratively guided playthrough with personal commentary and reflection
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- blossom_selection — when a blossom opens, choose which blossom tile to place in that square's opening.
- cooperative_solo_play — one or more players cooperate in tile placement; the host guides the playthrough.
- endgame_scoring_by_remaining_tiles — if all eight blossoms are bloomed, score equals eight plus remaining tiles; otherwise score is based on blossoms opened.
- pattern_completion — form a square to enable a blossom to emerge from the set of tiles.
- tile_placement — place a tile adjacent to the lake so that colors match on touching edges.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this is a zen-like experience
- it is a cozy game
- the journey that matters and not the destination
- the highest possible score is 21
- don't worry if all eight blossoms don't open in time
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video al24jRG-5y8
Foster the Meeple top_10_list at 17:51 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7604 · mention_pk 22554
Click to watch at 17:51 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- mindful, relaxing activity without a win/lose focus
- easy to bring along and de-stress
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- mindful puzzle/relaxation
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Monopoly go keeps all the best parts of classic Monopoly buying properties trading deals and trying to bankrupt your Rivals but it's designed for quick fast-paced rounds
- solo travel has never been this much fun
- Puzzle games work they just work for travel I don't know what it is they work for solo travel
- Ganz schön Clever is one of the most classic roll and write games
- it's so addicting
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video XfpL8vNVAgE
Unknown Channel top_20_list at 13:43 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4298 · mention_pk 12535
Click to watch at 13:43 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- tiny box footprint
- solitary yet deeply relaxing
- unconventional rule book can be a delight
Cons
- some may prefer more interaction
Thematic elements
- tile placement and color-matching
- serene, nature-themed
- minimalist and relaxing
Comparison games
- Cascadia
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- tile placement — place tiles to create relaxing patterns and score
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Desolate is still my number one.
- This is a solo only game. No multiplayer with solo mode.
- There’s no better choice than Mike Lambo's solitary war game books.
- Jump Drive is a tableau building in its purest form.
- Cartographers, one of the best games in the verb and write genre.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video r7dkzLc1c1Q
Brothers Murf top_10_list at 15:21 sentiment: positive
video_pk 3268 · mention_pk 9667
Click to watch at 15:21 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Explicitly designed for relaxation and reset
- Versatile for solo or two-player co-op play
Cons
- Very light on crunchy strategy
- May not hold long-term engagement for some players
Thematic elements
- Meditative puzzle solving and relaxation
- Calm, nature-inspired tile placement with flowers
- Mindful, restorative experience
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- tile placement with edge matching — Place tiles with flower edges to create harmonious patterns and complete aesthetically pleasing layouts.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's not going to bog you down
- it's a game that's relaxing
- the art is really appealing and just really kind of comforting
- this is one of those games that feels so calm and open
- Cribage is the best
- Cascadia works
- the game is lovely
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 8ifbatuMWfk
One Player Guild top_20_list at 18:20 sentiment: positive
video_pk 3121 · mention_pk 9160
Click to watch at 18:20 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- one of the most beautiful solo games
- perfect rulebook; relaxing to play
Cons
- out of print but being reprinted with redesigns
Thematic elements
- single-life, peaceful solo game
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card drafting / minimal rules — aesthetically pleasing, relaxing solo experience with nearly perfect rules
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's one of the most beloved solo board games out there
- this is a wonderful engine builder
- a game that you can take anywhere
- the rule book was perfect in my opinion
- one hell of a title by chip theory games
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video kTU-_4ieokQ
Steve's Board Games Channel top_23_list at 2:30 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2710 · mention_pk 7955
Click to watch at 2:30 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- low-stress, easy to learn
- family-friendly and relaxing
Cons
- light on deep strategy
Thematic elements
- relaxation and easygoing play
- calm, nature-inspired tile-lane environment
- soothing, almost meditative
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Tile-laying — players place tiles to create scoring patterns on a serene board.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Starting off with the two-player game, Agent Avenue.
- It's a boatload of fun and it's another game which I've just brought out and it just never misses.
- This is another two-player abstract game that I can't stop playing and that's Zenith.
- Rival Cities takes Tug of War to another level.
- The production on Shackleton Base is through the roof.
- Ponzi scheme is one of the most stressful games you'll ever play and it's brilliant.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video OOlGupJ5hTk
OFPG Voices general_discussion at 2:06 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2232 · mention_pk 6509
Click to watch at 2:06 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Calming, beautiful visuals
- Accessible
Cons
- Rules can be contemplative, slower pace
Thematic elements
- Calm, meditative spring mood
- A lakeside setting to watch flowers bloom
- cooperative/solo with gentle narration
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Cooperative/Solo play — players go to the lake to watch the flowers bloom
- tile/stacking — tile-drawing and matching to form squares
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- we hear ofpg voices our goal is to make this world a better place one board gamer at a time
- being playful has power it is infectious unifying and gratifying
- humanity is a co-op we are co-opting together to make this world a better place
- treat people the way you want to be treated
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video HkK1sbaUv54
The Broken Meeple review at 7:11 sentiment: negative
video_pk 1145 · mention_pk 3303
Click to watch at 7:11 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
negative
Pros
none
Cons
- Boring
- Pretentious
- No real strategy
- Purely random
- Not fun
Thematic elements
- Abstract
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- you're listening to the broken meeple show a podcast that speaks passionately about board games
- it's only a game
- I hate pretentiousness in games
- we got to be able to dislike some things you know I'm all about balance you can love something but you got to hate something as well
- I'm worried that they've gone too far
- definitely I think the most complicated game that they have put out ever I'm not joking
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
Showing 1–17 of 17