Evolution: New World (2023) Board Game

Evolution: New World is a standalone board game that was released in 2023 by designers Dmitry Knorre and Sergey Machin, and published by Rightgames RBG SIA. This game is an educational and environmental card game that focuses on animals and the concept of evolution. With stunning artwork by Maria Efremova and Alexandra Karenskaya, Evolution: New World offers players a unique and engaging gaming experience.

Game Components of Evolution: New World

Oversized cards with colorful illustrations in the spirit of historical zoology artwork

Tokens for food, shelter, and other resources

Animal trait cards

Habitat cards representing different ecosystems

Player boards and markers

Scientific descriptions and examples of animal traits

How To Setup Evolution: New World

To set up the game, players start by shuffling and dealing the Evolution cards. Each player chooses a starting species and places it on their player board. The habitat cards are arranged to represent the different epochs, and food and shelter tokens are distributed according to the habitat cards. The First Player token is passed to determine the starting player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Count: 2-4 players (expandable to 6 players with the Butterfly Effect expansion)

Age Range: 11 and up

Playtime: 30-60 minutes

Game Mechanics: Hand Management, Simulation, Card Game

Objective: Players aim to create and evolve species, giving them traits to survive and thrive in an ever-changing environment. The goal is to accumulate the most points by having well-adapted species that can feed, shelter, and protect themselves from predators.

Key Phases:

Placement Phase: Players place Evolution cards to create new animals or add traits to existing ones.

Areas Phase: New habitats appear, and food and shelter tokens are placed.

Feeding Phase: Animals feed from the available resources, and predators may attack other animals.

Extinction Phase: Animals that were not fed die, and players prepare for the next epoch.

Player Experience

Players experience a dynamic and educational journey through the evolutionary process. The game encourages strategic thinking as players must adapt their species to changing environments and compete for resources. The colorful illustrations and scientific descriptions add an engaging and informative layer to the gameplay. Discussions about strategies and the survival of species are common, making it a great game for family audiences and serious gamers alike.

Pros

Scientific Accuracy: Created by a biologist, ensuring educational value.

Variable Competitiveness: Suitable for both family-friendly and competitive play.

Stunning Illustrations: Oversized cards with beautiful, naturalistic artwork.

Engaging Gameplay: Fast-paced and dramatic, with unexpected turns.

Educational: Teaches about real-life biological interactions and traits.

Cons

Player Limit: Limited to 4 players in the base game.

Cost: Some players feel that the game is overpriced.

Complexity: Can be challenging for inexperienced players due to the high level of strategy and adaptation required.

Personal Thoughts on Evolution: New World

**Evolution: New World** is ideal for those interested in science, biology, and strategic gameplay. It appeals to a wide audience, from families looking for an educational and fun experience to serious gamers who enjoy the cutthroat nature of the game. The game’s ability to balance education and entertainment makes it a standout in the board game world. However, it may not be the best fit for very young children or those seeking a highly casual gaming experience.

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