Animix (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Animix is a card game that was released in 2020 by Blue Orange (EU). Designed by Mathieu Bossu and illustrated by Simon Douchy, this game is suitable for 2-6 players and has a playtime of around 10 minutes. With a recommended age of 8 and above, Animix falls under the categories of Animals and Card Game, featuring mechanisms such as Hand Management, Open Drafting, Pattern Building, Set Collection, and Tile Placement.

Game Components of Animix

Animal cards featuring 8 different species

Mountain tokens to mark cards that cannot be plucked again

A rule book with simple, illustrated instructions

How To Setup Animix

To set up Animix, a varying sized tableau of random animal cards is displayed on the table. Each player is dealt a hand of six cards (five in a six-player game). The rule book, which is little more than a slip of paper, clearly explains the setup and gameplay with picture examples.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Turn: Each player can either play an animal card from their hand face down in front of them or pluck an animal card from the tableau and replace it with a card from their hand.

Mountain Tokens: A mountain token is placed on the plucked card to indicate it cannot be taken again.

Scoring: Cards score points based on the other animals played in the center of the table, with each type of animal having different scoring rules.

Objective: The goal is to earn the most points by strategically claiming and placing animal cards.

Player Experience

Animix offers a blend of simple gameplay and deep strategy. The game is quick, lasting about 10 minutes per game, even with six players. Player interaction is subtle yet significant, as players can manipulate the tableau to help themselves or hinder their opponents. The game’s replayability is high due to the ability to mix and match different species in each game, ensuring a unique experience each time.

Pros

High Replayability: Different species combinations change the gameplay significantly.

Quick Gameplay: Games last around 10 minutes, allowing for multiple plays in a short time.

Simple yet Strategic: Easy to learn but requires clever planning.

Great for All Ages: Suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Cons

Tie Breaker Issue: Ties are shared, which can happen more often at higher player counts and lacks a more interesting tie breaker mechanism.

Personal Thoughts on Animix

Animix is perfect for those who enjoy quick, strategic games with a touch of social interaction. It’s an excellent addition to any board game collection, especially for families or groups looking for a game that is easy to pick up but challenging to master. The game’s compact size and low price make it a great value for the amount of game it offers. If you’re looking for a game that’s both fun and intellectually stimulating, Animix is a great choice.

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