Enchanted Ivy is a solo only game where you play as Ivy, the owner of an enchanted inn frequented by an eclectic mix of guests with very particular preferences when it comes to their room allocation!

How to play

🏠 Following a series of scenarios which determine the size and shape of your inn and the visiting guests, each turn draw 2 ivy cards, play 1 as a balcony and 1 as a wall, then choose from 2 guests which to place onto the balcony
🚪 Each guest has a unique requirement for where they want to be roomed. Score as many points as possible for that guest, while keeping in mind scoring conditions of guests already placed, and those still to arrive
🌿 And don’t forget about the ivy patterns on cards. The fewer contiguous ivy patches, the more points you’ll score
🏆 Each scenario has a minimum success score, but also a high score and challenges to complete, which allow you to unlock secret doors 🤫

A Grand Birthday

A Grand Birthday is a mini expansion with a challenging new scenario introducing 3 new guests with 3 scoring goals, 3 challenges and a new door which can be used in any scenario

My thoughts

💚 I LOVE IT I LOVE IT I LOVE IT
🌿 The artwork is so freakin delightful, as is the narrative with each scenario. The world of Ivy is my happy place
🧠 The premise is simple and rules are incredibly easy to learn, but juggling the needs of all guests (around 10 per scenario and 30 in the box) while considering your ivy patch delivers a surprising level of brain burn – don’t be deceived by how cosy the game looks!
🔁 While there’s a limited number of scenarios there is still SO MUCH replayability in this tiny box. The order you draw guests will influence what each playthrough looks like, and the challenges also mean that you’ll need to replay each scenario multiple times to fully complete it, changing your focus with each game
🦋 Completing goals and challenges lets you place little stickers on your keepsake or garden board, a touch which my inner 5-year-old adores

If you love pattern building, tile laying and peaceful puzzles with an unexpected bit of crunch, then this is for you.

Disclaimer: Enchanted Ivy was gifted to me by Allplay for review purposes, but all thoughts are my own.