Zogen (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Zogen is a card game designed by Jun Sasaki and published by Oink Games in in 2018. It is a real-time pattern building game that challenges players to think quickly and strategically. With its simple rules and fast-paced gameplay, Zogen has gained popularity among both casual and serious gamers.

Game Components of Zogen

100 microorganism cards, each featuring 0-4 symbols (Sun, Moon, Mountain, Cloud)

Point tokens (3-point, 2-point, 1-point)

How To Setup Zogen

To set up Zogen, each player starts with 16 microorganism cards. The remaining cards are placed face down in a draw pile, though in this game, players do not draw new cards during the round. The setup is straightforward, ensuring a quick start to the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Real-Time Play: All players play simultaneously.

Card Play: To play a card, it must differ from the card in the center by only one symbol (add or remove one bacterium).

Symbol Announcement: Players must announce which symbol was added or removed.

Zogen Penalty: If a player plays incorrectly or cheats, other players can call “Zogen,” forcing the incorrect player to return all their cards from the center to their hand.

Knocking: If a player cannot play a card, they can knock on the table. If all players knock, the round ends, and players can discard three cards from their hand.

Round End: The round ends when one player has three or fewer cards and says “Done!” or when all players knock.

Scoring: The player with the fewest cards earns 3 points, the second-fewest earns 2 points, and the third-fewest earns 1 point. The first player to 7 points wins.

Player Experience

Zogen is a game that demands quick reflexes and sharp observation. Players must rapidly identify and play cards that differ by only one symbol from the card in the center. The game’s real-time nature creates a tense and engaging atmosphere, particularly in larger player counts. However, it can be frustrating for new players if the difficulty is not adjusted by reducing the starting hand size.

Pros

Quick and Engaging: Games are fast-paced and last only a few minutes.

Scalable Difficulty: Adjusting the starting hand size helps balance the game for new or younger players.

Variants: Includes fun variants like renaming symbols or swapping their names, adding more complexity and replayability.

Easy Setup and Teardown: Minimal setup and teardown time makes it easy to include in game sessions.

Cons

Frustration for New Players: Without adjustments to the starting hand size, new players may find the game too challenging.

Cheating Impact: Cheating can disrupt the game’s pacing and overall experience.

Personal Thoughts on Zogen

Zogen is ideal for those who enjoy real-time games and are looking for a quick, fun addition to their game collection. It scales well for different player counts, making it a versatile choice for game nights. While it may not be the best fit for players who prefer strategic or complex games, Zogen’s simplicity and fast-paced action make it a great choice for those seeking a light-hearted, entertaining experience.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.