Darwinning! (2018) Board Game

Darwinning! is a board game released in 2018 that combines elements of animals, card games, and strategy. Designed by Akha Hulzebos, Lars Munck, and Jamie Noble-Frier, this game challenges players to adapt and survive in a changing environment, much like the process of natural selection studied by Charles Darwin.

Game Components of Darwinning!

Modular Board

Animal cards

Trait cards

Player boards

Scoring tokens

Rulebook

How To Setup Darwinning!

Place the modular board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the animal and trait cards and place them in designated areas.

Each player receives a player board and scoring tokens.

Determine the starting player and begin the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Darwinning!, players take on the role of different species of animals competing for survival in a changing environment. Through open drafting, set collection, and variable player powers, players must adapt their traits to outwit their opponents and score the most points. The game objective is to have the most successful species by the end of the game, based on traits and abilities acquired.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging theme of evolution and adaptation

Strategic gameplay with variable player powers

Beautiful artwork and high-quality components

Cons:

Learning curve for new players

Some luck involved with card draws

Personal Thoughts on Darwinning!

Darwinning! is a unique and immersive board game that offers a fresh take on the theme of evolution. The game’s build quality is top-notch, with stunning artwork and durable components. While the learning curve may be steep for some, the strategic depth and replay value make it worth the investment. The game is suitable for players aged 9 and above, making it a great option for families and casual gamers. Overall, Darwinning! is a game that is definitely worth your time, especially if you enjoy games that combine strategy and theme effectively. Players who appreciate games like Evolution or Photosynthesis will find Darwinning! to be a welcome addition to their collection.

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