Herb Apocalypse and is not one just game but three; Party Play, Solo Play, and Category Gong Fu.

Party Play allows for three player levels and all levels play together. They differ in access to the Mini Materia Medica and fines for Wrong Treatment. These adjustments level the playing field. Even a beginner can win. Each player/herbalist has a renewable stock of Herb Cards, these are used to help patients. Correct Treatment receives payment and sometimes assistance in the form of a Sage or a card guarding Dragon. Between treating patients herbalists navigate the ups and downs of business. There are fines and fees, disasters and opportunity. The currency of the game is Jing Chips, when The Storehouse is out, the game is over. The player with the most Jing Chips wins unless someone has a certain Sage Card……Party Play can be customized for ease and playing time.

Solo Play pits the player against The House. It uses only Treatment Cards and Herb Cards. Instead of Jing Chips, correct Herb Cards are kept and counted at the end of the game. Solo Play may customized for ease and time.

Category Gong Fu, this game is nod to the first herb game. A timed game, the player sorts the 54 Herb Cards the 25 Chinese herb categories. Play can be solo or with others. In the case of a tie in Party Play Category Gong Fu is used to break the tie.

Let’s unpack the sturdy box ( 10 x 7x 2 inches ) which is full color inside and out. Nestled in biodegradable cellophane resealable envelopes are the following cards (3.5 x 2.25 inches) :

54 illustrated herb cards. Green and black checkered backs.

12 Sage cards. Purple and black checkered backs.

49 Knowledge Deck cards. Yellow and black checkered backs

49 Treatment Cards. Blue and black checkered backs.

29 Event Cards. Blue and black checkered backs.

25 Category Cards. Black and white checkered backs.

16 Blank Cards. Add to the game: 4 herb cards, 2 sage cards, 6 action cards, 4 knowledge cards.

Mini Materia Medica book ( 8.5 x 5.5 inches ) 64 pages, full color cover, black and white with illustrations inside.

Herb Apocalypse rules book ( 8.5 x 5.5 inches ) 60 pages full color cover and pages.