Bios: Megafauna (2011) Board Game

Bios: Megafauna is a board game that was released in 2011 and designed by Tim Park. It falls under the categories of animals, environmental, and prehistoric games, allowing players to simulate the evolution of animal species during the prehistoric era. The game is published by Sierra Madre Games and is designed for 1 to 4 players, with a recommended age of 12 and up.

Game Components of Bios: Megafauna

128 laser-cut wooden animals

144 tiles

108 mutation cards

18 gene chips

Mounted map

Rules[4%.

How To Setup Bios: Megafauna

To set up the game, players begin by creating the random tile map board, which consists of various biomes in four different latitudes. Each player chooses one of four Archetype species that start as herbivores but can mutate into predators. The map is constantly changing due to random events such as erosion, greenhouse and icehouse Earth, and Milankovich cycles.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Semi-scientific simulation

Mechanics: Area Control, Tile Placement, Variable Player Powers, Engine-Building

Objective: Adapt your DNA, speciate, and survive amidst environmental and living animal competition.

Start Time: Post-Permian-Triassic extinction event, 250 million years ago

Species Evolution: Players can create new species and mutate them using DNA chains and mutation cards.

Environmental Changes: Players cope with catastrophes (e.g., impact events, solar flares) and biome changes.

Victory Points: Collected through tiles representing extinct plants and animals, distributed during four scoring rounds.

Player Experience

Players embark on a journey of evolution, starting as proto-dinosaurs or proto-mammals in a post-apocalyptic world. The game is rich in complexity, allowing players to create bizarre chimeras, establish subterranean civilizations, and adapt to intense competition and environmental changes. The dynamic map and random events ensure each game is unique.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers a complex and engaging gameplay experience.

High Replayability: Random map setup and mutation cards ensure varied gameplay each time.

Scientific Elements: Incorporates genuine evolutionary factors like Milankovich cycles and dentition.

Solitaire Mode: Can be played solo as well as with 2-4 players.

Cons

Complex Rules: Can be overwhelming for new players due to the depth of mechanics.

Long Playtime: Game duration can vary between 60–180 minutes depending on the number of players and rules used.

Steep Learning Curve: Requires time to understand and master the game’s intricate systems.

Personal Thoughts on Bios: Megafauna

**Bios: Megafauna** is ideal for players who enjoy deep, strategic gameplay and are interested in evolutionary science. It is not a game for casual players due to its complexity and lengthy playtime. However, for those who appreciate a challenging and highly immersive experience, **Bios: Megafauna** offers a unique and rewarding adventure through the ancient world of evolving species.

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