Bios: Mesofauna (2022) Board Game

Bios: Mesofauna is a board game released in 2022, designed by Madeleine Fjäll. It falls under the categories of environmental, prehistoric, and territory building games. The game takes players back in time to the Mesozoic Era, where they must compete for dominance and survival in a changing ecosystem.

Game Components of Bios: Mesofauna

Rulebook

Mutation cards

Player aid cards

Species cards

Cratons punchouts

Fossil chits

Organ cubes

Dice

Yellow flower tokens

How To Setup Bios: Mesofauna

The game begins with the invasion of land approximately 450 million years ago. Players start with an archetype species and evolve it into up to six more species, including swimming, flying, burrowing, armored, or parasite species. The setup involves distributing the initial species across the map, preparing the mutation cards, and setting up the environmental conditions such as climate change, catastrophes, and terrestrial settings.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Evolution Mechanic: Players mutate, speciate, and spread their species across the map.

Area Control: Compete for niches in the ecosystem, including herbivore, carnivore, and parasite slots.

Diceless Contest: Determine the fittest species to survive in each niche through a diceless contest mechanic.

Trait Development: Use mutation cards to develop new traits, such as wings, venom, or special organs.

Environmental Challenges: Manage extinction events, radiation, and diseases that can impact species survival.

Objective: Build a diverse portfolio of species to maximize victory points based on their pheromones and population.

Player Experience

Playing **Bios: Mesofauna** is akin to navigating the dynamic and often brutal world of evolutionary history. The game is marked by rapid expansion and sudden setbacks, reflecting the Cambrian Explosion’s dramatic changes. Players must balance the development of new traits with the need to adapt to a constantly changing environment. The interactions between species are complex and sometimes brutal, with parasites attaching to rivals and predators struggling to maintain their niches. Despite the challenges, the game allows for significant recovery and adaptation, making it engaging and unpredictable.

Pros

Deep Evolutionary Mechanics: Offers a detailed and scientifically-inspired take on evolution.

High Replayability: Numerous combinations of traits and environmental conditions ensure each game is unique.

Engaging Area Control: The competition for ecological niches is intense and strategic.

Generous Card Market: Every trait card is valuable, making it easier to build effective species.

Cons

Complexity: With a complexity rating of 3.80, it may be daunting for new players.

Steep Learning Curve: The game’s rules and mechanics require time to fully understand.

Unpredictable Nature: While engaging, the frequent catastrophic events can be frustrating.

Personal Thoughts on Bios: Mesofauna

**Bios: Mesofauna** is ideal for players who appreciate deep strategy and are fascinated by evolutionary biology. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy complex, dynamic systems and are willing to invest time in learning the game’s intricacies. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it offers a rich and rewarding experience for those who delve into its evolutionary wonderland.

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