Ecologies: Bizarre Biomes (2020) Board Game

Ecologies: Bizarre Biomes is a board game released in 2020 that focuses on teaching players about unique and strange ecosystems around the world. Designed by Matt Montrose, the game aims to educate players about different animal species and their habitats in a fun and engaging way. With stunning artwork by Montrose Biology, the game brings these bizarre biomes to life on the tabletop.

Game Components of Ecologies: Bizarre Biomes

Game board

Animal cards

Habitat cards

Event cards

Player tokens

Victory point tokens

How To Setup Ecologies: Bizarre Biomes

Place the game board in the center of the play area.

Shuffle the animal cards and place them face down on the designated area on the board.

Shuffle the habitat cards and place them in a separate stack.

Each player chooses a player token and places it on the starting space on the board.

Distribute victory point tokens to each player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Ecologies: Bizarre Biomes, players take on the role of conservationists working to protect endangered species in unique ecosystems. Players must collect sets of animal and habitat cards to earn victory points, while navigating through various events that can impact their progress. The game combines hand management, hidden victory points, negotiation, and set collection mechanics to create a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience.

The objective of the game is to have the most victory points by the end of the game, which typically lasts 60-90 minutes.

Player Experience

Pros:

Educational and informative gameplay

Beautiful artwork and thematic components

Strategic depth with negotiation and set collection elements

Cons:

Limited replayability due to fixed card decks

Some events can feel arbitrary and disrupt gameplay flow

Personal Thoughts on Ecologies: Bizarre Biomes

Overall, Ecologies: Bizarre Biomes offers a unique and engaging experience for players interested in environmental themes and educational games. The game’s components are well-designed, and the artwork truly brings the bizarre biomes to life.

While the game may not have high replayability due to the fixed card decks, it serves as a great learning tool for players of all ages. The pricing and availability of the game may vary, so it’s worth checking online retailers for both new and used copies.

If you enjoy games that combine strategy with educational themes, Ecologies: Bizarre Biomes is definitely worth your time. It’s suitable for players aged 8 and up, making it a great choice for families and casual gamers. However, if you’re looking for a highly competitive or complex game, this may not be the best fit for you.

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