Ion: A Compound Building Game (2015) Board Game

Ion: A Compound Building Game is a card game designed by John Coveyou and published by Genius Games in in 2015. It is an educational game that aims to teach players about ions and chemical compounds in a fun and interactive way. With its unique theme and gameplay mechanics, Ion offers a refreshing experience for players interested in science and chemistry.

Game Components of Ion: A Compound Building Game

Ion Cards: Representing positively and negatively charged ions.

Noble Gas Cards: For collecting sets since noble gases do not bond.

Goal Cards: To achieve specific objectives for additional points.

Radioactive Cards: Included in the advanced version for managing radioactive decay.

Science Behind Booklet: Detailing the real-world concepts related to the game mechanics.

Rulebook: Instructions for setting up and playing the game.

How To Setup Ion: A Compound Building Game

To set up the game, each player starts with a hand of 10 cards. Players choose one card to place in front of them and then pass the rest of their hand to the player on their right. This process continues until all cards are used. The goal is to match positive and negative charges to create neutrally charged compounds.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players select cards to build compounds.

Pick and Pass Mechanic: Players pass their hand to the next player after selecting a card.

Ion Matching: Matching positive and negative ions to form neutrally charged compounds.

Noble Gas Collection: Collecting sets of noble gases for points.

Goal Achievement: Completing Goal Cards for additional points.

Radioactive Management: Managing radioactive decay in the advanced version.

Objective: Score the most points by creating compounds, collecting noble gases, and achieving goals.

Player Experience

Ion: A Compound Building Game is a fast-paced, educational experience suitable for 2-7 players, lasting about 20-30 minutes per game. It is designed to be enjoyable for science enthusiasts of all ages, making it ideal for classroom learning, family game nights, or casual play with friends. The game is scientifically accurate, peer-reviewed by over 20 PhD scientists, and aligns with STEM and NGSS standards.

Pros

Educational Value: Teaches the fundamentals of ionic bonding and basic chemistry principles.

Fun and Engaging: A fast-paced game that makes learning chemistry enjoyable.

Scientific Accuracy: Peer-reviewed by scientists to ensure accuracy.

Versatile: Suitable for classroom, homeschool, or family game nights.

Advanced Mode: Includes a harder difficulty level with radioactive elements.

Cons

Instruction Clarity: Instructions can be a bit unclear, requiring an adult to learn ahead of time.

Execution Imperfections: Some players note minor imperfections in the game’s execution.

Personal Thoughts on Ion: A Compound Building Game

Ion: A Compound Building Game is perfect for anyone looking to make learning chemistry fun and interactive. It is particularly great for students, homeschoolers, and science enthusiasts who want to engage with chemistry concepts in an entertaining way. The game’s ability to balance educational value with enjoyable gameplay makes it a valuable addition to any science-themed game collection. However, it is recommended that an adult or experienced player learns the rules beforehand to ensure a smooth gaming experience.

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