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Description
In Pergola, players develop their gardens, grow new plants, and attract insects and small animals. On their turn, a player chooses one of the four available tools, picks the presented items, and arranges them in their garden. Then they perform the action corresponding to the chosen tool. Since players have a lot of freedom in arranging plants in their gardens, after fifteen rounds each garden looks completely different and scores differently. The player who accumulates the most points wins.
—description from the publisher
Year Published
2025
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 10
This page: 10
Sentiment:
pos 9 ·
mix 1 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–10 of 10
Video EnOMKLo9kOM
BoardGameGeeek top_10_list at 2:56 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11196 · mention_pk 32927
Click to watch at 2:56
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- beautiful production value and theming
- cozy, relaxing vibe with underlying strategic depth
- good fit as a light, end-of-night game for couples
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- garden planning, floral scaping, and pollinator stewardship
- end-of-day gardening theme, cozy backyard garden ambiance
- calm, cozy, relaxing with bright visual appeal
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- drafting — players draft a tool or shovel to gain resources for their garden.
- player-board engine/build — place garden pieces and populate your garden for scoring and synergy.
- set collection / color matching — collect sets of flowers of different colors and types to maximize scoring.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is a fun one. It's cozy. It's relaxing but there is strategy and stuff like that and it looks like super beautiful.
- I love this game so much. It's a perfect big group family game.
- Inish is back in hotness and that's because there is a big box version with a new expansion that's on crowdfunding right now.
- The art and the production value seems so top tier.
- It's a solo campaign now, and that makes me color me more intrigued.
- Fate of the Fellowship is so good. We played a four-player game and it was freaking incredible, y'all. Epic, man.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Lh5J04qPJDw
Stommy Games general_discussion at 0:03 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10830 · mention_pk 31960
Click to watch at 0:03
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Engaging action-selection system (paired actions)
- High player agency with placement decisions
- Beautiful component production and garden aesthetics
- Strong alignment between theme and mechanics (placement feels meaningful)
Cons
- Some ambiguity around refill/shuffle mechanics for spades in the video (refill behavior could be clarified)
Thematic elements
- Nature, garden design, growth and aesthetics as core mechanics
- Garden/flower garden setting where players cultivate flora and manage their garden layout
- Abstract/mechanistic garden-building theme
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action_selection (spade-based) — Players choose one of several spades to gain the benefits on that spade and activate the paired action/area associated with it.
- paired_actions — Each spade provides an immediate benefit plus an additional paired action benefit tied to the chosen icon.
- set_collection_with_spatial_placement — You collect flower tokens as a set collection objective, with spatial placement choices on your garden mat influencing strategy and aesthetics.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- My favorite mechanism are is the action selection system.
- the action selection system... it's a great use of that.
- there isn't like a designated space on my mat to put a flower. I can put the flower anywhere I want on my garden mat.
- Board Game Arena managed to simulate that by letting you click on your mat is where the thing is placed, which I thought was really cool.
- it's a neat paired action selection system that is very very satisfying.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video NknlwzbXsMg
Foster the Mele general_discussion at 22:55 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10747 · mention_pk 31711
Click to watch at 22:55
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- beautiful watercolor production
- puzzle-like optimization with minimal interaction
- great solo mode
- strong summer vibes; nature theme
Cons
- some players consider it light
- could use more thematic depth for some
Thematic elements
- garden planning, resource management, natural growth
- Garden-themed, backyard setting with frogs and ponds
- calm, nature-inspired
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- frog movement / pond interaction — Frogs move around a pond to activate effects.
- Resource management / engine-building — Collect resources via garden tool market, then score via flowers, insects, ponds.
- simultaneous-ish planning / turn-based — Players take turns selecting tools; market is replenished.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This game is phenomenal.
- It's closer to the Kuba Libre end of the learning spectrum than some of the big ones.
- I would like to play it because I do love Kuba Libre.
- I freaking loved it.
- I love multiplayer solitaire games.
- Pergola is the newest game from Rebel Studio, uh who you may know, they did Meadow, which is a game that we really enjoy.
- it's a massive like resource management. Sounds like a optimization game.
- I absolutely adore the theme.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video v3RlB8sJBG0
Tantrum House Studio D game_review at 0:23 sentiment: mixed
video_pk 7386 · mention_pk 21855
Click to watch at 0:23
Overall sentiment (raw)
mixed
Pros
- Beautiful components and artwork with a cozy, inviting aesthetic
- Casual and accessible for a broad audience, including non-gamers
- Delightful theme elements (frog tokens, lanterns) and thematic lantern bonuses
- Consistent game flow across 2–4 players; 15 turns per game provides a clear structure
Cons
- Color tiles (leaf colors) can be easily confused when viewed in isolation
- Endgame scoring requires understanding many scoring lines, which can slow teaching
- Limited depth and variability; most scores stay close, reducing long-term strategic differentiation
- Drafting can limit forward planning, especially at higher player counts
Thematic elements
- Nature cultivation and decorative garden-building
- A garden under a pergola with plants and insects to cultivate and display
- Cozy, aesthetically focused garden-building theme
Comparison games
- Cottage Garden
- Cascadia
- Azul
- Ticket to Ride
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action_selection — On each turn, players choose one of four market tools to take an action and gain items for their garden.
- endgame_scoring — Endgame bonuses (e.g., cascades, lanterns, bottom-of-board goals) provide additional scoring paths.
- set_collection — Players collect flowers and insects which score differently at the end of the game.
- tile_placement — Players place gathered items on a personal garden board, shaping their scoring opportunities.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Pergola is a competitive action selection game for one to four players that takes about an hour to play.
- It's published by Rebel Studio and distributed by Asthma. They sent us this copy to review.
- After we place your items, you take the corresponding action from where you took the tool.
- This game is just very beautiful. It's very aesthetically pleasing.
- Cozy.
- It's casual. I think you could introduce this to pretty much anyone.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video WrR3wn3DGWQ
Dice Tower top_10_list at 19:10 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7430 · mention_pk 21993
Click to watch at 19:10
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- elegant and compact
- great entry for puzzle lovers
Cons
- less thematic; more puzzle-driven
Thematic elements
- tending and arranging a garden with tokens
- garden-themed puzzle with simple, elegant tokens
- calm, satisfying, aesthetically pleasing
Comparison games
- Meadow
- Cascadia
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- token drafting to action board — draft tokens and place them to act; sequencing matters.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This one's very quick. It's very quick to play and to teach.
- There are player interactions, but it doesn't feel mean.
- The narrative is so well written. The actual boss battling part is gripping.
- Above and Below Haunted gave it a little more oomph. Ghosts add consequence.
- It feels like a video game in board game form; very smooth and substantial.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video WrR3wn3DGWQ
Dice Tower top_10_list at 38:09 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7430 · mention_pk 21977
Click to watch at 38:09
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- elegant, compact design
- great for quick, satisfying play sessions
Cons
- not thematic-heavy; more puzzle than theme
Thematic elements
- tending a garden with garden tool analogies
- garden-themed puzzle where tokens are drafted to your board
- calm, contemplative
Comparison games
- Meadow
- Cascadia
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- token drafting and action selection — draft tokens to perform actions on a personal board; sequencing matters.
- turn sequencing/puzzle — order and placement of tokens create a puzzle about maximizing scoring opportunities.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This one's very quick. It's very quick to play and to teach.
- There are player interactions, but it doesn't feel mean.
- The narrative is so well written. The actual boss battling part is gripping.
- Above and Below Haunted gave it a little more oomph. Ghosts add consequence.
- It feels like a video game in board game form; very smooth and substantial.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video WrR3wn3DGWQ
Dice Tower top_10_list at 40:37 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7430 · mention_pk 21984
Click to watch at 40:37
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- compact footprint; pleasant production
- easy entry with satisfying depth
Cons
- not highly thematic; more puzzle than theme
Thematic elements
- garden planning and growth with modular tokens
- boardgarden/visual puzzle with garden-tool motif
- calm, satisfying, aesthetically pleasing
Comparison games
- Meadow
- Parks
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- token drafting into a personal action board — draft tokens to activate actions; tokens determine future actions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This one's very quick. It's very quick to play and to teach.
- There are player interactions, but it doesn't feel mean.
- The narrative is so well written. The actual boss battling part is gripping.
- Above and Below Haunted gave it a little more oomph. Ghosts add consequence.
- It feels like a video game in board game form; very smooth and substantial.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video CeR45VbEj88
Paula's Board Game Channel top_10_list at 18:17 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7094 · mention_pk 21008
Click to watch at 18:17
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Beautiful production and floral visuals
- Solid solo mode and engaging with multiple playstyles
- Appealing end-state look when your garden is filled
Cons
- Requires table space for components
Thematic elements
- Floral, cozy garden optimization
- Gardens and flowers; garden tool-driven actions
- Serene, aesthetically pleasing
Comparison games
- Castles of Burgundy
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Garden tool actions — Draw and play garden tools to determine actions that turn.
- Set collection / scoring variety — Multiple scoring options and endgame objectives to optimize.
- Tile placement / garden area scoring — Place tiles to build your garden and fulfill point-salad scoring conditions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- It's just so cozy and charming.
- The theme is thin. [laughter] Okay, y'all. It's thin, but I do not care.
- Zenith, my number one game of 2025.
- The further down you go with your pyramid, the more times you get to take the actions on the card.
- This game feels different every time you play, with a big deck of different cards and you hope you flip the right ones at the right time.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video MHCqMqfJAHg
Dice Tower general_discussion at 1:27 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1519 · mention_pk 4359
Click to watch at 1:27
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- cozy, pleasant theme
- easy to teach and learn
Cons
- tray insert lacks a lid, leading to storage/organization issues
Thematic elements
- gardening and growth, point salad-style scoring
- cozy garden layout around a pergola with garden tasks
- light, relaxing, aesthetically pleasing
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- point salad scoring — multiple scoring avenues give varied routes to victory
- tile placement / placement-based scoring — players place components into a pergola/garden area to score points
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- There is a ton of theme involved.
- The theme is super there. And if you love this idea of a game, go for it.
- it's cozy. It's one of those games that has some cool thinkiness to it.
- placing a number in between two other numbers and collecting one of those numbers that you placed in between of.
- I think that it offers a nice balance between thinking and social interaction.
- the balance and the cool synergies of the engine
- this is one of those cozy games where you can hang out and talk with people
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video iaJjPtxKBXA
Game Night playthrough at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 9 · mention_pk 10
Click to watch at 0:00
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Beautiful components and art with a luxurious, cozy presentation
- Accessible onboarding with a clear overview to guide scoring
- Multiple, interlocking scoring paths provide depth without sacrificing accessibility
- Strong table presence and thematic consistency that invites long, relaxed sessions
Cons
- Board can feel visually busy and scoring tracks may be hard to parse at a glance
- Rulebook can be dense for newcomers, though the video demonstrates good onboarding through play
- Requires 2–4 players; may feel limiting for solo or higher-player-count groups without expansion
Thematic elements
- Garden design, pollination, and wildlife interaction as a scoring mechanism
- A garden under a pergola where players plant flowers, attract wildlife, and accumulate victory points
- Informative with tutorial-like guidance and playful banter
Comparison games
- Garden Wars (Frog of Doom)
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- action_selection — On a turn, players choose tools or actions from a shared tool pool and then perform a related garden action.
- insect_movement — Insects move along defined paths (frog hops, pond interactions) to relocate or activate garden features.
- resource_management — Bees, butterflies, dragonflies, and other garden elements must be managed and moved to activate scoring mechanisms (jars, lamps, and glasses).
- set_collection — End-game scoring rewards players for completing color lines, color sets, and insect pairings across garden levels.
- tile_placement — Players place plant and ornament tokens onto garden spaces to build scoring structures and unlock insect habitats.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is crazy cute.
- Oh, this is beautiful.
- There are three different kinds of garden lights.
- It's not as straightforward as I thought it might be.
- The boards are beautiful. If they weren't as busy though, it would help clarity.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
Showing 1–10 of 10