"The surprising part is in the planning to use your simple engine of planting to grow your forest out. My son and I loved playing this one!"

"This is one of the most thematic games I have ever played! I love how natural the mechanics feel because of this. It's so easy to learn and teach! The quality of the components is very impressive."

"The strategy is unlike anything I've ever encountered. Unique and unparalleled, Aspens is destined to become a staple in any board game collection!"

Love this game so much! The rules are super easy to learn (less than 5 min) but the game offers a variety of strategic decisions. I can see this game being one of my tops of 2025 already!

"We love the tough decisions of building up or expanding quickly. A must play for nature lovers and if you love great gameplay combined with lovely aesthetics! A gorgeous table presence."

"Very fun 2 player game that reminds me of Go with a little extra luckThe components looks great and the expansions really bring in some fresh air!"

"The game flows smoothly, with quick turns, making it light and accessibleYet, despite the relatively simple mechanics, there’s still enough depth to keep seasoned strategy players interested."

"Charming 2 player game that I really enjoyed. The mechanics are simple, and the game flows effortlessly. The expansions add layers of strategy."

"Aspens has a striking table presence. Easy to learn, and simple rules. One of those games almost anybody can pick up quickly. Great for couples looking for a quick weeknight game."

"A quick playing, beautifully produced abstract game with fun, tactical play and just the right amount of luck involved."

"My son and I really enjoyed playing Aspens. The deluxe trees especially are so cool. The board always looks so nice at the end of the game with all the colors."

"Aspens has very simple rules. However, the game itself is very tactical which provides a lot of challenge. A very entertaining and accessible, yet strategic 2 player game!"

"To a degree, this game reminds me of some other area control games like Hey That’s My Fish and Battlesheep, only it feels a lot more elegant."

"Perfect for those who enjoy light strategy with a touch of luck. The expansions add extra depth for more experienced players, making it a game that grows with you."

“The decision making is really interesting. The more you play, the more strategy you develop... The simple mechanics go a long way to make a really interesting, puzzle-y game.”

"Amazing table presence that is absolutely photo worthy at the end. Short but engaging. Leaves you wanting to play again and again."

"My husband and I really enjoyed playing it over and over. It's a thoughtful abstract game with a lovely tree aesthetic that looks great on the table. And it has that nice mix of strategy and luck."

"One of the best light games I have ever played! This game will surprise you. There’s a lot of strategy in it. One of my most anticipated games of 2025."

"Aspens looks beautiful, and the game mechanics really build on the theme. We liked the need to carefully balance decisions. It’s so satisfying to block off an area of the board."

"With smooth game play, easy set up, and very little down. I highly recommend this game to any 2 player households like ourselves!"

Between the gorgeous wooden treeples and the sprawling board, it’s a real showstopper. A hedge-your-bets, area control showdown that gave me big "Can’t Stop" energy. It’s ruthless, tactical, and a whole lot of fun."

"Aspens is a beautiful, thinky, quick-to-play forest game. We’re big Photosynthesis fans, and I’ve been hunting for a two player nature game that plays faster, feels cozier, and still gives that satisfying strategic chess-like crunch."

"For a game that is light on rules, Aspens packs in a ton of strategy and thought into each turn. The different shades of greens and yellows really gives a tiny forest feel to it. I’d absolutely recommend it."

"I really enjoyed the balance of the push and pull to expand or add more trees to one spot. This mechanic can create a fun tension of creating a wonderful forest."

"Overall, a gorgeous game with a perfect level of strategy and if two player games are what you're looking for, then Aspens definitely is one for your collection!"

"Really good push and pull between deciding to grow into new spaces or increase the trees in your existing space. The game has a really nice aesthetic to it. Especially the end result."

"A relaxed, thinky and visually stunning area majority game! It’s lovely and simple to learn. It looks gorgeous, and it’s so satisfying building up that lovely tableau."

"Aspens is a light, strategic 2-player duel with charming components and clever spatial play. Tree meeples = 10/10 adorable. Designed for 2 players and actually feels like it. A true head-to-head forest showdown!"

"This is probably the most relaxing strategic game I've ever played. There's just something about places the trees on the board that makes it really calming."

"It’s really well-produced, plays quickly, and is thinky enough that I want to keep playing. Aspens rewards smart planning but keeps you on your toes with ever-changing wind and sun. I’m hooked."