Wouter & Ymke 
In Takenokolor, you step into the role of an apprentice gardener with one simple mission: to transform a bamboo plantation into a colorful masterpiece. But don’t think it’s just about splashing colors around. There’s a panda carefully observing your work, and their standards are as high as the tallest bamboo stalk.
👥 2-4 players, ages 8+
⌛ Playing time: 20 minutes
📝 Designers: Antoine Bauza & Corentin Lebrat
🎨 Artwork: Alexandre Roux
🏢 Publisher: Bombyx (review copy provided)
Gameplay Overview
In Takenokolor, each player works on their own garden sheet, but everyone uses the same design, chosen from one of four options. These sheets are filled with features like bamboo shoots, rivers, and suns, all waiting to be brought to life with vibrant colors. The goal is simple: color sections of the garden while earning as many points as possible.
The game revolves around four colored markers that double as dice. Each marker has a ring displaying different shapes, and when rolled, the combination of color and shape determines your options for the turn. On your turn, you select one of the rolled markers, which decides which part of the garden you can color.
Coloring follows a few straightforward rules. Bamboo shoots must be colored from the bottom up, so you can’t move on to the next section until the one below it is complete. Other features, like rivers and suns, follow specific rules based on the layout of the sheet. Completing a feature, such as finishing a bamboo stalk or decorating an element, sometimes lets you mark a ladybug on your sheet. These ladybugs add to your score and also act as a timer, showing how close the game is to ending.
The game concludes when one player circles their third ladybug. However, the round continues until everyone has had an equal number of turns. Once the game ends, players tally their scores based on how efficiently they completed their gardens. The player with the highest score wins and earns the satisfaction of knowing they’ve truly impressed the ever-watchful panda.
Game Info
Takenokolor brings you back to the world of Takenoko, the popular game that first introduced us to pandas and bamboo gardens in 2011. While the two games share the same universe, they couldn’t be more different in how they play. Takenokolor is lighter, quicker, and perfect for when you want a game that’s easy to set up and play. Designed by Antoine Bauza and Corentin Lebrat and published by Bombyx, it’s great for players aged 8 and up. Though let’s be honest, kids as young as 6 could probably enjoy it too, especially if they’ve played games before. With room for two to four players and a playtime of about 15 to 20 minutes, it’s quick, colorful, and wonderfully panda-filled.
Components, Production, and Artwork
Inside the game box, you’ll find 160 garden sheets divided into four different designs, each featuring playful illustrations by Alexandre Roux. The artwork is vibrant and charming, perfectly setting the scene for the lighthearted gameplay. The wooden panda token, used as the first-player marker, is a cute addition. It might not change the gameplay, but it certainly adds some personality to the experience. Plus, who doesn’t want a tiny wooden panda on the table?
The real stars of the game, though, are the markers. These double as dice, which makes them both functional and fun. You roll them to determine your options for the turn and then use them to color your sheet. It’s a clever twist on the roll-and-write genre that feels fresh and engaging. While the yellow ring on the markers can sometimes be tricky to read, the overall design works well. The markers are also standard-sized, so when they eventually run dry, you can easily replace them and reuse the rings.
Gameplay: Light, Fun, and Easy to Learn
At its heart, Takenokolor is simple to learn and easy to play, making it perfect for families or anyone new to roll-and-write games. The mechanics are straightforward, so you can jump in without spending much time explaining the rules.
Each turn, you roll the markers and pick one. That choice determines the color and shape you’ll use to fill in sections of your garden. While it sounds simple, there’s some light strategy involved. You’ll need to consider how the marker will help you complete features on your sheet while also thinking about how it might block or benefit your opponents. It’s a nice balance of quick decisions and light tactics that keeps the game engaging.
That said, this isn’t a game for deep strategic planning. The randomness of the rolls means you’ll often need to adapt on the fly, which keeps things fun and casual but limits long-term strategy. It’s best enjoyed when you’re in the mood for something light and relaxed.
Replayability and Accessibility
While Takenokolor offers four garden sheet designs, the variety is mostly in the layouts rather than how the game plays. Once you’ve tried all four, the replay value starts to dip since the core mechanics don’t change. Still, the game’s short playtime and ease of setup make it a good choice for casual game nights or a quick round with friends or family.
One area where the game truly shines is its accessibility. The inclusion of the ColorADD system makes it easier for colorblind players to tell the marker colors apart, ensuring that everyone can join in on the fun. It’s a small but thoughtful detail that makes the game feel welcoming.
Comparing Takenoko and Takenokolor
If you’ve played Takenoko, you’ll feel right at home in Takenokolor’s panda-filled world. However, the two games offer very different experiences. Takenoko leans heavily into strategy and long-term planning, while Takenokolor is lighter, quicker, and more about creative fun. You don’t need to have played Takenoko to enjoy Takenokolor, but if you love pandas and bamboo gardens, why not try both?
Final Thoughts
Takenokolor is a charming and colorful game that fits right in at any family game night. It’s quick to learn, easy to play, and packed with personality. While it might not appeal to those who prefer deep strategy or extensive replayability, it’s perfect for younger players, families, or anyone looking for a relaxed gaming session. Plus, any game that lets you roll markers and impress a panda is a win in my book.
📝 We received a copy of the game from Bombyx for review purposes.
