What are the Scottish Highlands really known for? Whisky, tough red-haired men in tartan skirts, hairy highland coos, the wild haggis, but definitely also the many flocks of sheep. Scots can sometimes appear stubborn and headstrong compared to their English neighbors, and in this game, the Sheep are quite Stubborn.
Amsterdam Board Game Design
Are you familiar with Amsterdam Board Game Design? Amsterdam Board Game Design (or ABGD for short) is a group of international game designers and authors who gather in Amsterdam (or other cities) to work on games or test each other’s creations and provide constructive feedback. When you bring together all those brilliant game creators and organize lots of playful meetings, a brilliant game concept is bound to emerge. Or several. Maybe spread out over multiple seasons? Perhaps two seasons, or even three! The time has come. It’s high time for season 3.
During season 1, Bable, TimeZoo, and Grachtenpand appeared in this series. Grachtenpand is currently enjoying lots of success in international markets with several translations. In season 2, we were introduced to L’Oaf, Goblin Laundromat, and Medievallons. Many games in the series have already been awarded, so I’m curious to see what this new season will bring.
On the familiar crowdfunding platform, you’ll soon find three new creations from three different game designers who are part of ABGD, and, as always, published by Wulfhorn Games: Stubborn Sheep, Greedy Grabbers, and Coaster Clash. Three small games packed with lots of fun.
Stubborn Sheep
In Stubborn Sheep, players step into the ‘wellies’ (short for Wellington Boots, those iconic rain boots) of Scottish shepherds to herd sheep on the Scottish Highlands. Players build fences to keep their sheep safe, but these sheep have a tendency to jump over the fences and score points in unique ways…
Players try to create sets with sheep, but these stubborn sheep make it harder than it seems. Each player has two fences placed, and the space between them is the player’s stable, while the space between stables is a pasture. At the start, fences are distributed and sheep are placed in the pastures and stables.
At the start of the turn, sheep may be added to the (too) empty stables and pastures. Then the active player may place a fence. Each fence has two sides with symbols that affect the next step. After placing the fence, it’s activated together with the player’s own fences. Depending on the colors shown on the cards, sheep may jump over the fence to the other side, which of course affects the sets that are present at a location. Some sheep have abilities that further influence the course of the game.
At the end of a turn (after the fences are activated), you check which sheep are in your stable and can score depending on the sets you’ve collected. Scored cards are set aside to keep track of points. Once the main draw pile is empty, the game ends after one final round, and the player with the most sheep in their scoring pile wins.
Stubborn Sheep is a wacky and reactive game. At first, after the explanation, it can take a moment (especially if you lack spatial awareness or reading comprehension) to figure out how the fences and their activation work, but players catch on quickly. The result is a funny and fast set collection game with enough variety thanks to the different effects of fences and sheep. The advanced rules offer even more bonus effects and game modes.
The game we tested is a prototype, so the final game design and components may be different.
