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Description
In Herbaceous, herb collectors compete to grow and store the most valuable medley of herbs. Everyone starts with four containers, each of which allows a different grouping action:
Group herbs of same type
Group different types
Group pairs
Group any three types (same or different)
On your turn, you draw a herb, then decide to either keep it in your personal collection or put in into the communal pile. If kept, the next card goes to the communal pile; if placed in the communal pile, the next card goes in your personal collection.
At the start of your turn, you can decide to use a container. If so, you assemble cards from personal and communal spaces, group them, then turn them all over. You have then "collected" those and can't use the container again.
At the end of the game, collectors determine the best collection as a combination of value from their collection, matching herbs, and herb sets.
Year Published
2017
Featured Videos
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 12
This page: 12
Sentiment:
pos 11 ·
mix 1 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–12 of 12
Video fk2a2VeKYu4
Unknown Channel game_review at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 50901 · mention_pk 139815
Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Rules appear simple on the surface while enabling deep strategic thinking in placement and timing.
- Private/public garden mechanic fosters direct interaction and indirect competition among players.
- The garden theme and herbal flavor provide approachable, welcoming vibes that invite a wide range of players.
- Diverse herb types create multiple viable scoring paths, supporting replayability.
Cons
- The excerpt does not specify exact end-game conditions or scoring methods, leaving some mechanics abstract.
- Card draw variance could dampen strategic control in certain sessions, depending on luck.
- Some players might desire clearer guidance on optimal private/public distribution strategies beyond general intuition.
Thematic elements
- Growing culinary herbs and managing resource placement between private and shared spaces; interaction emerges through public garden exposure
- Domestic garden or backyard herb garden setting; small-scale home setup with pots and herbs
- Casual, enthusiastic host narration that blends rule explanation with subjective impressions of strategy and flavor
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card drafting — On each turn you draw a card and decide where to place it (private or public garden), creating a rhythm of selection and placement decisions.
- Harvest/Potting mechanic — Herbs are literally 'potted' as part of scoring; this action is time- and resource-limited, encouraging careful timing and planning.
- Private vs Public Garden — Placing a card in the private garden keeps it for you, while placing it in the public garden makes the card accessible to other players, introducing shared risk and opportunity.
- Sequential placement constraint — After placing the first card, you must draw a second card and place it in the opposite garden, enforcing a back-and-forth flow that influences strategic pacing.
- Type strategy (unique vs. multiples) — Players weigh collecting unique herb types versus multiple copies of the same type, creating divergent paths toward scoring and end-game potential.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this game is as simple as it gets but the thinking is definitely high level
- it's a game called herous I love it
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Dp2X4r3A3pU
Unknown Channel top_10_list at 4:52 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11907 · mention_pk 34919
Click to watch at 4:52 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Beautiful illustrations
- Approachable for non-gamers
- Solid solo and multiplayer options
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- botanical tableau building
- Nature-themed plant collection
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- set-collection — Collect plant sets to score points; simple, nature-themed play.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the mere mortal tier I'm talking about people that have either no board gaming experience at all or at most they've played Monopoly Uno or maybe Katan
- the perfect uh game to introduce to someone to the Rand W genre
- this is the perfect game to introduce someone to the Roll & Write genre
- this is a great option especially if you know that they like card games or nature
- I've seen people draw some gorgeous Maps
- this game made me feel all smart and stuff
- Everdale is a fantastic puzzle
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video -MX2vrVVpyE
Foster the Meeple general_discussion at 29:47 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11842 · mention_pk 34672
Click to watch at 29:47 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- stats don't lie
- we love this game
- it's the perfect game to introduce people to worker placement
- the stats don't lie
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video qIBwFMEz1Ck
Gaming with Edo interview at 30:25 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10229 · mention_pk 30212
Click to watch at 30:25 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- cited as an example of simple design
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Print-and-play as a living document, you can improve it and share freely.
- It's out of necessity; in rural Japan there aren't a lot of testers, Board Game Geek is the community.
- The threads in the design forums are a really nice community for feedback.
- Kickstarter is an end-stage tool; you need all the building blocks in place first.
- Eight years to finish a one-card game; persistence pays off.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video GIBNq6AuHCg
Unknown Channel top_10_list at 18:06 sentiment: positive
video_pk 9448 · mention_pk 27908
Click to watch at 18:06 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Ultra-simple rules and very relaxing play
- Beautiful artwork and soothing theme
Cons
- Solo mode is very light and may lack depth for some players
Thematic elements
- Set collection with plant types and colors
- Garden plant collection
- Calm, relaxing family-friendly puzzle
Comparison games
- Dixit (artistic gameplay mood)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- set collection and pattern building — Collect plant types and form sets for scoring
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 BqJeU7AUz3Y
Gaming with Edo general_discussion at 2:45 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 9287 · mention_pk 27423
Click to watch at 2:45 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Provides practical cost analysis for publishing a game
- Realistic framing of shipping and CBM
Cons
- Some information is publisher-specific and may not generalize
- Lacks detailed game-specific mechanics beyond high-level concepts
Thematic elements
- Garden planning and herb collection
- Gardening / herb garden theme
- Informational / business-focused discussion
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- hand management — Managing a hand of herb cards to optimize scoring.
- set collection — Players collect herbs to score points.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's hugely important if i sell every copy that i printed and the rest like literally don't sell
- you might not sell all of it
- this number here is based on this number here let me use a different color here just to let's go with a blue
- the main thing i'd call out here when you're thinking about this that you really want to keep in mind and think about is
- look you can make this your own so if you go to file it's make a copy you make a duplicate you can edit it
- shipping costs are crazy right now how do we maximize what we put on the boat
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Rau8EraLNSg
Chairman of the Board general_discussion at 6:29 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6974 · mention_pk 20641
Click to watch at 6:29 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- easy to learn and teach
- twist on a Biblios-like mechanic with central garden pressure
Cons
- light weight; limited depth for hobby players
- some players may find the central garden pressure predictable
Thematic elements
- set collection with a garden-building motif
- garden-themed card drafting
- light, family-friendly abstraction with garden-y flavor
Comparison games
- Biblios
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- deck-drafting / card distribution — draw and place cards into personal or communal areas, caching to complete sets
- set collection — collect cards to form sets either in your own garden or the communal garden
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a pure abstract very family weight game
- I like it a lot
- gorgeous looking game with some amazing production choices
- the drafting system is much more streamlined
- they are all for the better
- it's a bit of a cult favorite
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 4ZDs816l7TA
Dimming playthrough at 0:15 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6838 · mention_pk 110075
Click to watch at 0:15 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Flavorful, garden-themed, visually appealing
- Compact footprint with approachable decisions
Cons
- Less thematic depth than bigger titles
- Potentially simple for veterans of card games
Thematic elements
- Herbal cultivation and culinary/flowering potpourri vibe
- Herbal garden/pocket garden theme with plant-focused components
- Playful and light with approachable mechanics
Comparison games
- Calico
- Sunrise at the Studio
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card drafting — Selection of cards influences strategies and pacing.
- set collection — Players collect plant-related resources to complete goals.
- set collection / resource gathering — Players collect plant-related resources to complete goals.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's cozy
- it's exactly like making donuts
- cozy game
- the initiative order... the lowest number is going to be the person to pick first
- these showpieces are very artsy
- it's not a heavyweight game, it's cozy and calm
- this is a showpiece
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video nFNxwnG0OpU
Foster the Meatball general_discussion at 3:04 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2536 · mention_pk 7413
Click to watch at 3:04 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a beautiful kind of story
- you need to play with the right group
- it's not cute
- it's like comfort food games
- the rules are simple
- oh my god it's so good
- it's a ramp... chaos
- this is an easy one to just flick some discs around
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 7rIn1LRTphQ
Unknown Channel top_10_list at 0:39 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2253 · mention_pk 6543
Click to watch at 0:39 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Easy to learn
- Relaxing theme and presentation
- Good for lighter play sessions
Cons
- Luck of draw affects timing
- Interaction is limited
Thematic elements
- Relaxed garden planning and herb matching
- Pastoral herb garden; selecting and planting herbs
- Calm, simple, observational
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card drafting — On your turn you draw two cards with a choice to keep one in your private garden and place the other in the middle; this creates tension around timing and shared access.
- Pattern/set fulfillment — Players aim to fulfill specific herb combinations from their kept cards.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's simple rules it looks really nice and doesn't take long to play
- really chill
- the chillest games that we could find
- this is just perfect when you don't want to think too much
- it's so freaking chill
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video EwAb2P0Dpv4
Board Game Spotlight playthrough at 0:19 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1257 · mention_pk 146223
Click to watch at 0:19 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- portable pocket edition enhances portability
- accessible and relaxing theming
- tight, tense decisions despite casual vibe
- great intro to set-collection and collection-management ideas
Cons
- small components can be fiddly to handle
- depends on deck order; luck factor can influence pacing
Thematic elements
- herb cultivation, collection, and scoring
- Herb gardening and home garden spaces
- abstract, relaxation-focused
Comparison games
- Herbaceous Sprouts
- Herbaceous (regular edition)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area placement / potting — cards are placed into private gardens or the community garden; potting actions rearrange future scoring possibilities.
- endgame scoring via containers — points are scored based on the contents of each container (glass jar, large pot, small pot) and any bonuses.
- hand management / draw-and-choose — on a turn a card is drawn and the player decides to keep it or place it into private or community areas.
- press-your-luck / reveal-based decision making — turns involve revealing cards and deciding whether to pot now or press luck for potentially better future gains.
- Push Your Luck — turns involve revealing cards and deciding whether to pot now or press luck for potentially better future gains.
- set collection — players aim to collect sets of different herbs to maximize points, with container-based scoring variations.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a game about pressing your luck
- this is a game that every gamer should have in their collection
- the pocket edition is a must-have for fans of herb-themed games
- it's so simple and yet so tough to figure out when to pot
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video HRMBZskSYzQ
Actual general_discussion at 21:46 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1276 · mention_pk 3715
Click to watch at 21:46 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- beautiful artwork and a quick, engaging play
- interesting simultaneous planning with evolving objectives
- satisfying thematic fit for art and garden lovers
Cons
- requires good interaction to sustain longevity
- depends on group dynamic; some players may underperform
Thematic elements
- botanical and landscape painting with an objective-based push
- garden/landscape painting focused on seasonal themes
- interpretive art puzzle
Comparison games
- Inside Sunset Over Water
- Herbaceous
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card drafting and action selection — each round you select a card that determines your action for the round
- Objective Cards — public goals influence which paintings you attempt
- Simultaneous reveal — rounds are quick and players reveal their choices at once
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this is one of my favourite rolling right games
- it's so simple idea and it works brilliantly
- amazing production with all these marbles
- the combinations are what separate winners from losers
- the simultaneous like action selection and the artwork is stunning as well
- you could play it with as many players as you want really
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
Showing 1–12 of 12