I pre-ordered the Stardew Valley board game immediately after it was announced. One of my favorite video games in board game form? Sign me up.

I was absolutely jazzed when it finally arrived. I love an overly complicated board game that comes with a long manual, so the sheer heft of the Stardew Valley box was promising. I took my sweet time unboxing it, patiently punching out all the pieces, unwrapping the cards, and just taking in that satisfying new-board-game smell. There’s a lot to it, with a bunch of different decks (including one for the villagers, with some beautiful portraits), cardboard pieces, and a whole intricate board that maps to Pelican Town. I just........

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