Do you want to play a short, sweet, simple card game that’s bound to grow on you? (HA! Puns!) Then it’s time to check out Tussie-Mussie. An upcoming Button Shy wallet game all about flowers, this one will teach you a bit about the meanings flowers can have while also providing you with a cute little drafting game. Let’s take a closer look …

What Is It?

As I mentioned, this is a drafting game all about flowers. Players use the “I split, you choose” mechanic to offer flowers to their opponents and then collect the leftovers into their own bouquets. (You get first choice on an opponents’ turn, and those proclaimed “leftovers” on your own turn). There’s also just a hint of bluffing involved since 1 card always goes face-down; you want to offer just the right card up to an opponent that doesn’t give them too many points, but leaves you with an excellent addition to your own flower collection.

Who Is It For?

I’d say this is light enough for a wide age range, probably from 6+. I also thought that it might be well-liked with older audiences for both the theme and how chill it comes across. We aren’t painting the flowers, but I got some very Bob Ross vibes from this. “Beer and pretzel” gamers might like this as well, since there’s no heavy strategy involved.

Quality

I do have a prototype copy, so not everything is 100%, but I still had some good impressions from what I played with. The rules are well-written and easy to follow. The cards are simple but have very pretty designs, and they’re the average card quality/thickness. Text on the cards is also clear and easy to follow.

PROS

  • Light
  • Easy to learn/teach/play
  • Small and easily portable
  • Great at 2-players, which is a pro for me!
  • Aesthetically appealing

CONS

  • 3-4 player games are kind of weird to me because you take turns and draft only with the person to your left, and then to your right. Drafting games (at least the ones I’ve played) are usually simultaneous drafting or 1 person splitting and then everyone else choosing before they receive what’s left, so this played at a bit of a slower pace because of that (while still being an overall short game)

Difficulty

This is easily only a 1 or 1.5/5 for difficulty. As I said, kids to adults could play this with no problem. Scoring the cards is the hardest part, but everything is made pretty clear overall so it wouldn’t be difficult to explain it to young gamers or help them figure it out.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I think it’s a nice game with a very zen feel to it. I find it to be best at 2-players for my own personal preferences when it comes to drafting games, which is good since that’s the count I usually play at. There is also a solo expansion that’s pretty cool that you can get with the Kickstarter – coming out this week

It’s not something that I would request to play constantly, but I appreciate its’ simplicity because I can see myself, and probably others, being able to introduce it to non-gamer friends and families easily, which is always a bonus.

Happy Gaming~

Additional Information:
Designer – Elizabeth Hargrave
Artist – Beth Sobel
Publisher – Button Shy
BGG
BGA

*I was provided a prototype copy of this game to do this preview*
*All components shown are subject to change*

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