Circle of Life (2015) Board Game

Circle of Life is an abstract strategy board game that was released in in 2015. It is a print and play game designed for 2 players, with a runtime of 20-40 minutes. The game focuses on area majority/influence, hexagon grid, and pattern building mechanics.

Game Components of Circle of Life

Game board representing an ecosystem

Tokens of different colors for each player

Species cards indicating the complexity and position in the food chain

Rulebook

How To Setup Circle of Life

To set up the game, players initially place their tokens on the board to form simple species. Each player starts with a set of tokens and species cards. The board is divided into different areas, each representing a different level in the food chain. Players arrange their tokens and species cards according to the starting rules outlined in the rulebook.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Players alternate turns placing one token of their color on the board.
– Tokens form “species” which can devour each other based on their position in the food chain.
– Species evolve to become more diverse and complex as the game progresses.

Game Objective:
– The objective is to have the most successful species by navigating the food chain effectively and ensuring the survival and evolution of your species.

Player Experience

Playing Circle of Life is an engaging and strategic experience. Players must carefully plan their token placements to ensure their species can thrive and evolve. The game encourages strategic thinking and adaptation as players respond to the evolving ecosystem.

Pros

Engaging Strategy: The game offers a deep strategic layer, making it appealing to players who enjoy planning and adapting.

Educational Value: It teaches players about the ecosystem and the food chain, making it a great educational tool.

Interactive: Players interact with each other’s species, creating a dynamic and competitive environment.

Cons

Complexity: The game may be too complex for younger players or those new to strategy games.

Length: Games can be lengthy as players navigate the intricate ecosystem.

Luck Element: The ability of species to devour each other introduces an element of luck, which may not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Circle of Life

Circle of Life is ideal for players who enjoy strategy and are interested in ecological themes. It is a great game for families with older children or for groups of friends looking for a challenging yet educational gaming experience. However, it may not be the best fit for very young players or those seeking a quick, light-hearted game. Overall, Circle of Life offers a unique and engaging gaming experience that combines strategy with educational value.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.