For Science! (2021) Board Game

For Science! is a board game that was released in in 2021. Designed by Veronika Fedorova and Tyler Myatt, this game is published by Grey Fox Games and falls under the categories of Action/Dexterity and Humor/Medical. With a runtime of 30 minutes and suitable for players aged 14 and above, For Science! is a cooperative game that involves elements of hand management, stacking and balancing, variable player powers, and an elapsed real-time ending.

Game Components of For Science!

Design cards: Show block shapes and connection points for building cures.

Blocks: 3-D blocks used to physically build the cures.

Disease cards: Represent fictitious diseases such as yellow lung, violent exo necrosis, or the omicron pathogen.

Lab boards: Three labs dedicated to curing different diseases.

Character cards: Each player has a special ability and space for a personal project.

Puzzle pieces (universal vaccination tiles): Contain colors and icons that must be enclosed to progress towards the Universal Cure.

Mutation cards: Introduce challenges such as Noxious, Miniscule, or Contaminated.

Event cards: Include events like Rioting or Temporary Evacuation that add chaos to the game.

Timer: A countdown clock that adds pressure to the gameplay.

How To Setup For Science!

To set up the game, players start by placing the lab boards and distributing the character cards. Each player chooses a character with a unique ability and a personal project space. The design cards are shuffled, and the disease cards are placed at the center of the table. The timer is set according to the desired game length, typically 15 minutes.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Card drafting and placement: Players draw design cards and place them to build cures according to the blueprints.

Block stacking: Players stack 3-D blocks to physically build the cures, ensuring all connection points match.

Verification: Players verify that the blocks are correctly placed before moving on to the next step.

Mutation and event management: Players deal with mutations and events that complicate the building process.

Personal projects: Players contribute to their personal projects to gain additional resources.

Game Objective

The objective is to build cures for the diseases and collect puzzle pieces (universal vaccination tiles) to progress towards the Universal Cure. Players must work cooperatively to achieve this within the time limit.

Player Experience

**For Science** is known for its chaotic and stressful yet enjoyable gameplay. The real-time mechanic and countdown clock create an anxiety-inducing atmosphere, making the game both challenging and fun. Players must balance building cures, managing mutations, and dealing with events, all while maintaining the physical structure of the blocks.

Pros

Cooperative gameplay: Encourages teamwork and communication.

Tactile experience: The physical block-stacking mechanic adds a unique and engaging element.

Dynamic challenges: Mutations and events keep the game unpredictable and exciting.

Flexibility: The game can be played without the timer, offering a different but still engaging experience.

Cons

Steep learning curve: The game’s complexity can be overwhelming for new players.

Time pressure: The countdown clock can be stressful, and the time limit may not be suitable for all players.

Physical space requirements: The game requires a significant amount of table space for the blocks and lab boards.

Personal Thoughts on For Science!

**For Science** is ideal for players who enjoy cooperative games, dexterity challenges, and real-time puzzles. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate a mix of strategy, physical interaction, and a dash of humor. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a relaxing or simple gaming experience, as it demands attention, coordination, and quick decision-making.

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