Amoeba (2010) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Amoeba is an abstract strategy game that was released in in 2010. Designed by Néstor Romeral Andrés, this game is meant for 2 players and has a playtime of around 15 minutes. The game is categorized under Abstract Strategy and features grid movement as its main mechanism.

Game Components of Amoeba

Tiles for building amoebas

Nuclei markers for each player

A unique, large, and weighted dice

Cardboard tiles with various art designs

How To Setup Amoeba

To set up the game, shuffle the tiles and distribute three tiles to each player. Give each player their respective nuclei markers and set out the dice. This simple setup prepares the players to start the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Tile-laying: Players lay tiles to build and expand their amoebas.

Dice Rolling: Determines the number of tiles a player can place on their turn.

Tile Stacking: Players can place tiles on top of existing tiles to split opponents’ amoebas, but only up to one level high.

Gap Filling: Tiles can be placed to cover gaps as long as the art matches up.

Game Objective

The objective is to build the largest amoebas and score points by enclosing segments (called “bulboses”) with your nuclei markers.

The game ends when all tiles have been played, and the player with the most points, based on the segments controlled, wins.

Player Experience

Playing **Amoeba** involves a mix of strategic planning and tactical execution. Players need to balance building their own amoebas while disrupting their opponents’ efforts. The game is particularly engaging at lower player counts, especially with two players, where it feels more tactical and less chaotic.

Pros

Portable and Compact: The game comes in a small box, making it easy to carry and play on the go.

Unique Mechanics: The ability to place tiles offset and split opponents’ amoebas adds a fresh twist to traditional tile-laying games.

High-Quality Components: The large, weighted dice and decent cardboard tiles enhance the gameplay experience.

Cute Theme: The amoeba theme is charming and adds to the game’s appeal.

Cons

Higher Player Counts: The game can become slow and less tactical with more players, as turns become longer and amoebas are frequently split.

Tile Distribution: The equal number of every type of tile can lead to some tiles being less desirable to play, affecting game dynamics.

Strategy Limitations: Players may avoid building large amoebas due to the risk of them being split by opponents.

Personal Thoughts on Amoeba

**Amoeba** is ideal for fans of tile-laying games like Carcassonne who are looking for a new challenge. It is particularly suited for two players, where the gameplay is more focused and tactical. While it may not be as engaging with higher player counts, the game’s unique mechanics and portable design make it a solid addition to any board game collection. If you enjoy strategic games with a bit of chaos and a cute theme, **Amoeba** is definitely worth considering.

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