A Gentle Rain - Solo Playthrough & Review

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This is "A Gentle Rain," a board game designed by Kevin Wilson & published by Incredible Dream Studios in 2021. This video includes a rules overview.

JUMP:
00:00 - Start
13:39 - Review

*This is not a sponsored video*

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[BeforeYouPlay]

I've been really enjoying quick solo games, let me know of any suggestions I should be looking into!

[thinusconradie]

Well done Monique! To be honest, I started watching this thinking, "Yeah, this solo game is not for me, " but watching you play it has changed my mind. That is what reviews are for.

[jeremiahhammer]

Just purchased this tonight from my local Target, and they carry an exclusive “Bloom” edition with 3D plastic flowers for $20. It is so relaxing, simple, and beautiful. A game I can play alone even on my bed while the rest of the house is asleep. I absolutely love it!

[AuntieM]

Thank you! I received A Gentle Rain from my daughter for Mother’s Day. This was very helpful.

[IncredibleDream]

"I have to stay focussed" is me every time I play this game! Thanks for playing!

[nunt]

I have the very first version, and the tactile feel of the tiles is something I've never encountered before in board games. The print side feels almost velvety, so in addition to the actual game being relaxing, I love just rubbing my thumb over the lake side of the tile. And when you hit that 3-sider... So good! One of my favorite games for those days when I really can't manage anything that requires brain power. The only downside is that the lake can sprawl quite large, so even though the actual box has a tiny foot print, you still need a larger flat gaming surface.

[corey]

Great timing as I just ordered this game yesterday for a cozy game fix. Awesome video!

[corey]

Have you guys done a top 10 cozy game list?

[CarrieMtn]

I picked this game up yesterday. I’ve been needing a “non-bluelight” activity to wind me down. Of course I read too- but this looks good. Thanks for interesting yet straightforward review.

[andysan]

This is my go-to relaxation game. I appreciate that it has an ultimate goal (getting the 8 blooms), but you don't feel the pressure to get it done every time.

[gozzywozzy]

"I don't know what to call that colour" :D Indigo sounds good to me! ;)

[jacquelineadcock]

Great video, I'm loving your solo series. I'd love to get hold of this game but finding it in the UK is proving difficult!
Floriferous is one of my go-to quick, cosy games to play solo.

[charlesnye]

Oh my gosh, I just saw this at Target and thought it looked really cute! I, like you, LOVE a crunchy game, but sometimes you really want to play a game and don't have the energy for setup or headspace needed for a bulky Euro. This looks like a wonderful solution for those times. Thank you so much for covering this game!

[MaraLinscott]

Thank you! I've been hoping you would do a play thru now that I xan find this again in the US. Looks perfect for a late night wind down game. I love your solo series. Also just finally bought A Feast for Odin for solo and multiplayer after watching your playthru. That might be the opposite of a gentle rain... but thanks for the input on both!

[writerian]

Great stress reliever. Thanks for the review. I picked it up and love it!

[Senyaotl]

I actually love this game. I’ve always wanted to own a game where I can have it going but mostly focus on conversation with friend(s) at a coffee shop. This is perfect for that.

[kmontzka]

Thanks for the playthrough. As others have mentioned, I'm also enjoying the solo series. I even traded for a copy of Black Sonata after watching the previous video. And now that this one is at my FLGS, I have an errand to run :)

[julienakadai]

Hi! I love this quick and simple game. I play this as a warm up before playing crunchier games. Nice over a Cuppa for sure! That’s how I prefer to play! Just Chill..❤

[jamesmorgan]

I have never found a tile that matches on three edges! Well done. I have the 2020 Mondo Games version and the quality of the components look very similar. I'd say one difference in design is that your version is busier; mine doesn't have the fish and ducks...just the lotus plants. Anyway, I've pulled the box out and will play it tonight. It's been a while!

Speaking of small box games that can be played solo, have you tried Pacific Ocean by Timashev Publishing? I don't know if it's as cozy as A Gentle Rain, but the art work is beautiful. I believe it's the designers first published game and the solo game is quick and reasonably interesting. (For each card in play, you have to choose how to use it: for its icons or for a scoring condition. I know you like dual/multi-purpose cards.)

[aos-archive]

For me, a cozy game is something I can put focus on, on my own time, at my own pace. I like a puzzle that needs me to think about things. The game doesn't need to be light or lax in nature. It could be a complicated game like Kanban, or maybe Wingspan, or even tense as Final Girl. Having time alone to do what I want, however way I want is what enables coziness for me.