Extinction (1993) Board Game

Extinction is a board game released in 1993 by the Incredible Game Company. The game is set in a prehistoric world where players take on the roles of different species fighting for survival and dominance.

Game Components of Extinction

Cards: Representing different species and ecological events

Resource tokens: For managing and tracking resources

Game board: Depicting various ecological environments

Player markers: To track player progress

How To Setup Extinction

To set up the game, players first prepare the game board by placing the various ecological environment sections. Each player selects a set of species cards and receives a starting amount of resource tokens. The deck of ecological event cards is shuffled and placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: To maintain a diverse set of species while managing resources and responding to ecological events.

Set collecting: Players collect and trade species cards to build a diverse ecosystem.

Resource management: Managing resource tokens to sustain the species.

Ecological events: Drawing event cards that can either help or hinder the players’ progress.

Extinction risk: Managing the risk of species extinction due to lack of resources or adverse events.

Player Experience

Playing Extinction involves a delicate balance between collecting and maintaining species, managing resources, and adapting to random ecological events. The game demands strategic thinking and foresight, as players must anticipate and mitigate the risks of extinction.

Pros

Educational value: Teaches players about ecology and the importance of biodiversity.

Strategic depth: Requires players to think critically about resource management and species preservation.

Interactive: Encourages trading and strategic decisions among players.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming for new players due to the multiple mechanics involved.

Luck factor: Ecological event cards can introduce significant randomness, affecting player outcomes.

Personal Thoughts on Extinction

Extinction is a game that is ideal for those interested in ecology and educational games. It is particularly suited for students and educators looking to engage with environmental science in a interactive way. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its complexity, it offers a rewarding experience for those willing to invest time in understanding its mechanics.

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