WBG Score: 8
Player Count: 1(2)*
You’ll like this if you like: Cascadia, solo games, chill experiences.
Published by: Incredible Dream Studios
Designed by: Kevin Wilson
This is a review copy. See our review policy here
A Gentle Rain first came out in 2021, and it has created a fair bit of hype since it's release, over a few different editions. It has not been readily available in the UK (it now is!) and other countries, making it a thing of desire for many, simply because they could not get it. But also, reports were coming from overseas about this zen-like relaxing solo experience unlike any other. People wanted this game. They wanted to play it. They wanted to be blessed by its presence. But is this all hype? Or is there a good game here? Well, let's get it to the table and find out!
How To Set Up A Gentle Rain
Place the blossom tokens on the table, and then shuffle the tiles forming a face down stack. Flip over the top tile and place it face up into the middle of the table. You are now ready to play. The idea is is you are going to slowly build your lake. As the rain slowly starts to fall, more and more parts of the lake will be formed as you place tiles. When the rain stops, the game is over. So tile placement then!
How To Play A Gentle Rain
Flip of the top tile and check to see if any of the edges on this tile match the edges on the initially placed tile. Each tile has four half flowers on the four edges. The idea of the game is to create complete flowers, matching two matching halves together. If you can place the tile, you must place it. If you cannot place the tile, put it to the side in a discard pile and draw the next tile. This rarely happens. Whenever you complete a set of 2x2 tiles into a square shape of four tiles, take one of the blossom tiles that match at least one of the colours of flowers within this group of four, and place it into the middle circle created by these four tiles. If you don't have a tile matching one of the colours you are not able to place a flower blossom tile.
The game will continue until the eighth blossom tile has been placed, at which point you will score eight points (for the eight blossoms) plus one point for every tile still in the unplayed stack. So, the idea is to find these matches of four to place all eight blossoms as quickly as possible.
If the tiles run out before you place all eight blossoms you will simply score one point for each blossom you have placed by this point. This will be a lot more common in your first few games.
It is possible to play the game with another player. The rules simply suggest that you take turns playing tiles in a cooperative mode. It works well with two players, as long as both players are in a similar head space and one player doesn't try to take over!
Is It Fun? A Gentle Rain
A Gentle Rain is an incredibly relaxing experience. In the right environment and with the right mindset, this can be a highly calming and enjoyable experience. I think I get the hype.
However, this is in part a luck-based game. After a few games, when you have understood the right strategy, if you take your time when drawing tiles to check all possible options, you should be able to play the optimum move each time and get all eight blossoms out. The likelihood though of the tiles coming out in the right order for you to score the maximum possible total of 21 points seems somewhat out of your hands. The tiles will either come out in that order, or not. Obviously, you can optimize your placement and there is some skill and strategy to getting better scores. But, I would say after a few games, you will learn the best way to play, and it will then be down to the luck of the draw in terms of the order the tiles come out and how well you score.
With that said, do I care? Well, no. I just enjoy the experience. I know it is luck-based in part, but I simply enjoy the process of putting out these tiles in this way. It takes ten minutes to play, uses a minimal space on the table and equally, minimal brainpower. If anything, it shuts down my brain and puts me into a mindful almost meditative state. I have one thing to focus on. I do that. The game takes over my being for this short period of time. At the end, I work out my score and note it mentally, but I don't really care. It is just a nice experience. I believe that all games of this nature should be like this.
Cooperatively in a two-player game, I am not sure this is for me. This game screams issues with quarterbacking (when one player tells another player what to do) in the co-op experience. When I play this game in a two, it becomes an experience much more like Magic Maze where all I want to do is bark orders at the other player, and the game gives me the opposite of what I want from it, and what I get from it in a solo experience. However, other players may be able to work better with this in a two-player then me! I certainly hope so.
As you acquire some strategies, like avoiding situations where you need to align three or four spaces to place a tile, or encountering scenarios where you require a tile with two identical colours (which are unavailable) to finish an area, you will begin to derive greater satisfaction from excelling in this game. Creating spaces where you are one tile away from a 2x2 with different combinations needed, rather than the same, and also avoiding too many dead spaces that cannot be completed, or where you are two tiles away from a 2x2 instead of just one, will help you maximize your efficiency and score. And of course, keeping your eyes peeled for the right tile. Do not miss opportunities to complete a 2x2.
Finally, when you complete a 2x2 and can place a blossom, have a look at what other 2x2's are close to completion, and which blossoms you could use there. Use this information to pick the right blossom to place now, so you don't create completed 2x2's later that do not allow you to place new blossom tiles. There are an equal amount of coloured flowers on the tiles, so you can start to get a sense for what is to come, based on what has already been laid. And when you only have a few blossoms left to place, you can look at what colours they are, and place your next tiles accordingly, knowing which colours you will need in your final completed areas.
The box of A Gentle Rain is not only tiny but also perfectly designed for easy set-up and tear-down, making it a convenient choice for quick gaming sessions. The simple components within the box are all crafted just right, offering a chunky and visually pleasing feel that enhances the overall tactile experience.
A Gentle Rain offers a quick and relaxing experience that is perfect for unwinding and enjoying some quiet time alone. The simplicity of the game mechanics allows players to dive right in without the need to navigate through complex rules, set-up or strategies, making it accessible to both seasoned gamers and newcomers alike. The gentle pace and soothing nature of the gameplay create a serene atmosphere that is both calming and enjoyable.
If you are in search of a tranquil and laid-back game that provides a beautiful experience without overwhelming you with intricate details, A Gentle Rain is a fantastic choice. Its charm lies in its ability to deliver a serene gaming experience that captivates players and leaves them wanting more. As you immerse yourself in the gameplay, you'll find yourself appreciating the subtle nuances of the art and intricacies within the strategy that make this game truly special. All aboard the hype train!