Harmonies, designed by Johan Benvenuto and published by Libellud, is a thoughtful abstract strategy game that challenges players to create harmonious landscapes. Combining spatial reasoning with pattern recognition, Harmonies offers a rewarding puzzle experience wrapped in a serene and visually appealing package. While light on narrative, its strategic depth ensures an engaging experience for fans of abstract games.
A Serene Landscape of Thoughtful Design
Harmonies is centered around building landscapes and habitats for animals, blending natural elements like mountains, trees, and rivers into cohesive patterns. The game’s art by Maëva Da Silva is stunning, with pastel hues and delicate details that create a calming yet engaging table presence.
The production quality is top-notch. Chunky tokens, a sleek central board, and a cleverly designed pouch for drawing pieces all contribute to a polished experience. While the theme doesn’t drive the gameplay, it adds a layer of charm that elevates the abstract mechanics.
Gameplay: A Puzzle of Patterns and Precision
Harmonies revolves around drafting tokens and arranging them on a personal board to create landscapes and habitats. Key mechanics include:
Token Placement: Players draft three tokens per turn and must place them strategically to form specific patterns.
Animal Cards: Completing habitat patterns allows players to place animals, scoring points and unlocking further opportunities.
Endgame Scoring: Points are tallied for completed landscapes, animal cards, and unique board configurations.
The combination of pattern recognition and spatial planning makes each turn a rewarding challenge. The rules are straightforward, but the depth of strategy lies in optimizing placement and balancing immediate gains with long-term goals.
Engaging and Introspective
Harmonies delivers a meditative yet competitive experience. The tactile joy of placing tokens and the satisfaction of completing patterns make every turn meaningful. Interaction is indirect, as players compete for shared resources and vie to outscore each other with efficient placements.
The variability in setup and card combinations ensures replayability, with each session presenting new challenges. While the game scales well for its 2-4 player count, it truly shines at three or four players, where the competition for tokens adds an extra layer of tension. Harmonies is a game that rewards careful planning and foresight, appealing to players who enjoy thoughtful, introspective gameplay.
Final Reflections: A Quietly Rewarding Abstract Game
Harmonies is a beautiful and strategic game that blends simple rules with engaging depth. Its abstract nature and serene aesthetic make it a standout choice for fans of spatial puzzles. While it may not appeal to those seeking high interaction or narrative immersion, it excels as a contemplative and rewarding experience.
Who is this game for? Fans of abstract games, spatial reasoning, and visually stunning designs will find Harmonies a delightful challenge. It’s perfect for players who enjoy quiet strategy and thoughtful planning.
Final Rating: 7.5 out of 10
Want to check more? Take a look at the videos/reviews below:
- Watch the “How to Play” video on YouTube
- The Dice Tower Review
- Read the rulebook here.
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