by HolyGigi
Hi everyone!I'm still new to this game, got it last week. Since then, I've had about 5 plays in total. Two as a two player game and three as a four player game.
I must admit, until a week ago I didn't knew anything about Fresco. By chance, I saw a video on Youtube about it and instantly loved the graphics and all the colors.
My group tends to play heavier games, like Agricola, Dominant Species, usually games that take between 2-4 hours. We gather at least once a week for a 8-12 hour gaming session.
When I put Fresco on the table last week and told my friends about it, none were very excited. Most of the comments were along the lines of "so... its easy?". But then I opened the box and everyone loved the design so we gave it a go. I haven't tried the "base game", we started directly with all 3 additional modules, so my thoughts are based on that.
Initial impressions: beautiful theme, finally a game where wooden cubes make sense! Quite a change from the bland looking Agricola.
Setup time: A 9,5. Would be 10 if we had a faster way of adding the paint tiles to the board every round. It took me about 10 minutes to explain the rules and set up the board for everyone. And it was my first game, my only experience was watching the tutorial on youtube and a quick read of the manual.
Gameplay: Solid 8. After the first turn, everyone knew what to do and almost everything was clear. The "wake up time" mechanic is really fun and unique. Also, it makes sense thematically - if you get up early, you are grumpy, but you also get more work done. The game has a strategic part to it, but its not chess. Although its not very interactive, you can still block other players from performing an action that would benefit them greatly.
Build quality: 8/10 Good, but could be better. My real complaint is with the box, after the first play I realized that two corners are torn. Nothing adhesive tape wont solve, but still, not a great feeling when you have to repair something on its first use. Another deducted point is for of the cloth bag used to draw paint tiles. It looks and feels very cheap. I replaced it with a black silk bag from my girlfriend's perfume. All other components are great. The cardboard pieces are heavy and feel robust.
Conclusion: Good game - 8. We really enjoyed the first game and went for a second one right after. Its a very light worker placement game, but the lightness is exactly what makes it fun. Its fast paced, takes about one hour in 4 players and there is not downtime like in heavier games, when you are the 4th player and it takes ages before the 3 others decide what actions to take.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys easy to learn, thematic, fast paced worker placement games. Since its easy to explain, even kids can play it and have fun with it. Also, excepting the manual, the game doesn't use text at all, so you can play it with people who dont speak English.
I don't recommend this to players who are looking for a high level of complexity and strategic planning in a worker placement game.
