Designed by: Uwe Rosenberg
Like it’s big sister Agricola, Agricola: All Creatures Big and Small is all about building a farm. But whereas the original, more complex game allowed you to plough fields and grow crops, this shorter two-player version is all about the animals. Expand your farm, build stables, but mainly – build those fences so you can get the animals in there!
Each player has two family members on their farm – on your turn, you send them out to do one of several available actions: collect wood or stone, buy a sheep, build a stall and so on. You need wood to build fences, stone to build buildings, and stables allow your pastures to hold extra animals. Once everyone has taken their actions, the family members return and the next round begins. There are eight rounds and the goal of the game is to expand your farm as quickly and as much as possible.
After the last round players score points for farm expansion (actually claiming extra land), any buildings they’ve built, and of course, the animals. More of each animal (horses, cows, sheep, pigs) gets more points. Having very few or none at all will cost you penalty points.
It’s a very accessible game that despite its simplicity does allow for strategic thought.
Next to none, though it's possible to block an action if you know your opponent really wants it. But you'll mostly be focused on what's best for you.
Very little - once players are up to speed the game flows quickly.
It's a less complex game than it's sister, Agricola. Unlike the original, you don't have to worry about feeding family members - just make 'em work!
Reasonably simple to learn and straightforward to play, Agricola also moves at a clip and doesn't outstay its welcome.
2-2
Players
8+
Years
30-60
Mins
Sam says
Its sister games Agricola and Caverna are big hitters - in terms of (potential) complexity and time to play. This two-player version is the other end of the spectrum - nice simple rules, fast play, all over in a half hour or so. Fun!