Dr. Microbe (2017) Board Game

Dr. Microbe is a board game designed by Roberto Fraga and Delphine Lemonnier, and released in 2017 by Blue Orange. The game falls under the category of Action/Dexterity, Children’s Game, and Medical, making it a unique and engaging experience for players of all ages.

Game Components of Dr. Microbe

Large petri dish filled with microbes

Player petri dishes

Tweezers for each player

Research cards

Microbes of various shapes and colors

Optional: Purple virus for variant rules

How To Setup Dr. Microbe

To set up Dr. Microbe, place the large petri dish filled with microbes in the middle of the table. If not using the purple virus variant, remove it from the petri dish. Shuffle the research cards and place them face down next to the large petri dish. Each player takes a petri dish and a pair of tweezers.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Simultaneous Play: Players act simultaneously.

Microbe Placement: Players grab microbes with tweezers and place them into their petri dish compartments based on the flipped research card.

Superbug Rule: The large section must hold a superbug different in shape and color from other microbes.

Unique Microbes: Smaller sections require microbes different in shape from each other and not the same color as the superbug.

Verification: A player yells “Eureka” when they think they have completed the task; other players verify.

Winning Condition: The first player to collect five cards wins.

Variant Rules: Include the purple virus, which can be passed to other players and penalizes the player holding it.

Player Experience

Dr. Microbe offers a fun and challenging experience, particularly for families and children. Players need to think logically to figure out which microbes to place in their dish, making it engaging without being overly frustrating. However, for adults, the game may be less challenging once familiar with the mechanics.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for children and adults alike.

Logical Challenge: Promotes logical thinking and problem-solving.

Speed and Dexterity: Combines quick reflexes with precise movements.

Variety: Includes variant rules to mix up gameplay.

Cons

Simplicity: May be too simple for experienced adult gamers.

Repetition: Rounds can feel repetitive once the mechanics are mastered.

Personal Thoughts on Dr. Microbe

Dr. Microbe is an excellent addition to the Dr. Collection, offering a unique blend of speed, dexterity, and logical deduction. It is particularly well-suited for families and younger players, providing a challenging yet enjoyable experience. For adults, it serves as a light-hearted, quick game perfect for casual gatherings. While it may lack the complexity of its counterparts, Dr. Microbe stands out with its fresh take on the series’ themes.

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