| | | | | | | | | | |

Evolution: Climate (2016) Board Game

ByMichail

Evolution: Climate is a stand-alone game based on the popular board game Evolution. It was released in 2016 by NorthStar Game Studio and designed by Dominic Crapuchettes, Dmitry Knorre, and Sergey Machin. The game focuses on the impact of climate change on the ecosystem and challenges players to adapt their species to survive in a changing environment.

Game Components of Evolution: Climate

  • Trait cards** for creating and adapting species
  • Species boards** for tracking population and size
  • Climate tracker** and associated climate cards
  • Food tokens** for the watering hole
  • Event cards** that influence climate and food availability
  • Player markers**, including a green wooden dinosaur as the first player marker
  • Rulebook** and other miscellaneous components

    How To Setup Evolution: Climate

    To set up the game, each player starts with a species board and a set of trait cards. The climate tracker is placed in the center, and the food tokens are distributed according to the initial climate setting. Players draw a starting hand of cards, and the game begins with each player taking turns playing cards to affect their species, discard a card to the watering hole, and adjust the climate accordingly.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Draw and Play Cards: Players draw cards and use them to increase population, size, or add traits to their species.
  • Climate Adjustment: The climate changes based on cards discarded to the watering hole, affecting food availability and species survival.
  • Feeding Phase: Species compete for food; those that do not get enough food lose population.
  • Event Cards: Triggered by climate changes, these cards introduce additional challenges or opportunities.
  • Goal: Accumulate the most food, surviving species, and traits to win the game.

    Player Experience

    Playing **Evolution: Climate** is a dynamic and strategic experience. Players must adapt their species to changing environmental conditions, including shifts in climate that can lead to population losses. The game encourages direct competition and counter-strategies, as players manage resources to ensure their species survive and thrive. Each game is unique due to the vast number of possible species combinations and the unpredictable climate events.

    Pros

  • High Replayability: Over 200,000 different species combinations.
  • Simple yet Deep Mechanics: Easy to learn but challenging to master.
  • Educational Aspects: Stealthy introduction to concepts like adaptation, climate change, and the cycle of life.
  • Beautiful Artwork: Attractive and high-quality components.
  • Dynamic Climate System: Adds a new layer of complexity and strategy.

    Cons

  • Complexity with Climate Rules: The climate expansion can be overwhelming for new players.
  • Variable Player Experience: Success can depend heavily on the actions of other players.
  • Potential for Frustration: Species extinction due to climate changes or other players’ actions can be frustrating.

    Personal Thoughts on Evolution: Climate

    **Evolution: Climate** is an excellent game for those who enjoy strategic gameplay and are interested in themes of evolution and climate change. It is particularly suited for families and groups that like light to medium complexity games. The game’s ability to grow with the players, adding more complexity as they become familiar with the base mechanics, makes it a great addition to any game collection. For advanced gamers, the climate expansion adds a thrilling layer of strategy and unpredictability, making it a standout in the competitive strategy genre.

    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. 

    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *