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Cytosis: A Cell Biology Board Game (2017) Board Game

ByMichail

Cytosis: A Cell Biology Board Game was designed by John Coveyou and published by Genius Games in in 2017. It is an educational board game that combines biology and strategy, allowing players to experience the inner workings of a cell.

Game Components of Cytosis: A Cell Biology Board Game

  • Player Tokens:** Wooden flasks used as worker tokens.
  • Organelle Spaces:** Representing parts of a human cell like the Smooth and Rough Endoplasmic Reticulum, Golgi Apparatus, Cytoplasm, and Plasma Membrane.
  • Cellular Components:** Colored cubes for carbohydrates, lipids, mRNA, and proteins.
  • Cell Component Cards:** Including Enzyme Cards, Protein Hormone Cards, Steroid Hormone Cards, and more, totaling 43 cards.
  • Event Cards:** Impose effects on the cell for the coming round.
  • Goal Cards:** Provide objectives for players to achieve.
  • ATP Tokens:** Used for energy and resource management.
  • Additional Components:** Transport Vesicle Disks, multipliers, and a scoring track.

    How To Setup Cytosis: A Cell Biology Board Game

    To set up the game, players first place the board, which represents a human cell, on the table. Each player receives a set of flasks based on the number of players (2-5). Players are dealt Cell Component cards and select one to keep, shuffling the others back into the draw pile. The starting player gets two ATP tokens, and subsequent players get one more ATP token than the previous player. Four Cell Component cards are placed on the board, and three to five Goal cards are placed at the top. Players start at the zero space on the scoring track.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Worker Placement:** Players place their flasks on various organelles to collect resources or take actions.
  • Resource Collection:** Gather carbohydrates, lipids, mRNA, proteins, and ATP.
  • Cell Component Cards:** Complete cards to build enzymes, hormones, and hormone receptors.
  • Event Cards:** Manage effects imposed by these cards each round.
  • Objective:** Ensure the health of the cell by completing Cell Component cards and acquiring Health Points. The player with the most Health Points wins.

    Player Experience

    Cytosis is praised for its unique blend of educational content and engaging gameplay. Players find it an enjoyable and effective way to learn about cell biology, even for those without a science background. The game is easy to learn but can be slightly complex to master, making it a great tool for both students and science enthusiasts. The components are of high quality, with bright colors and detailed cellular artwork.

    Pros

  • Educational Value:** Accurately teaches cell biology concepts.
  • Engaging Gameplay:** Combines worker placement and set collection mechanics smoothly.
  • High-Quality Components:** Brightly colored and well-made pieces.
  • Versatile:** Suitable for both science enthusiasts and those new to cell biology.
  • Fun and Interactive:** Great for family game nights or classroom use.

    Cons

  • Learning Curve:** Some players find it slightly complicated to learn initially.
  • Pace:** Mixed opinions on the learning pace, with some finding it too fast or slow.

    Personal Thoughts on Cytosis: A Cell Biology Board Game

    Cytosis is an excellent choice for anyone interested in science, especially those studying biology. It is perfect for teachers looking to make cell biology more engaging, as well as for families who enjoy learning through games. While it may not offer anything new to the worker placement genre, its integration of scientific learning with solid gameplay mechanics makes it a standout. It is highly recommended for middle school or high school students and anyone who enjoys a mix of education and fun.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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