GRO: Battle for the Petri Dish (1999) Board Game

GRO: Battle for the Petri Dish is an abstract strategy board game that was released in 1999 by Interformic Games. Designed by Greg Turner and illustrated by Matthias Catrein, this two-player game is set in a microscopic world where players compete to control a petri dish.

Game Components of GRO: Battle for the Petri Dish

Board: Represents the petri dish.

Germs: 16 red and 16 blue 7/8′ poker chips.

Rules: 2 pages.

Reference Cards: 2 illustration cards.

Goal Areas: 4 areas on the board.

How To Setup GRO: Battle for the Petri Dish

To set up the game, each player starts with a single germ on the board. The petri dish board is placed in the middle, and the goal areas are identified. The rules and reference cards are distributed to ensure players understand the mechanics. The game is ready to begin once the initial germs are placed.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Germ Growth: Germs can grow and divide to produce more germs.

Germ Movement: Germs can move around the petri dish.

Surrounding Opponents: Germs can surround opposing germs, causing them to die.

Goal Areas: The first player to gain exclusive control of 3 out of the 4 goal areas wins the game.

Player Experience

In **GRO: Battle for the Petri Dish**, players engage in a strategic battle where they must balance growth, movement, and competition. The game requires careful planning and execution to outmaneuver the opponent. With a playtime of about 90 minutes, it offers a deep and engaging experience for those who enjoy abstract strategy games.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Encourages thoughtful planning and execution.

Unique Theme: The bacterial growth mechanic adds a fresh twist to traditional strategy games.

Simple yet Engaging Components: The use of poker chips as germs is straightforward yet effective.

Cons

Limited Player Count: The game is designed for only 2 players.

Complexity: May be too complex for younger or casual players, as it is recommended for ages 10 and up.

Playtime: The 90-minute playtime can be lengthy for some players.

Personal Thoughts on GRO: Battle for the Petri Dish

**GRO: Battle for the Petri Dish** is ideal for fans of abstract strategy and those who enjoy competitive, two-player games. It offers a challenging and engaging experience that requires strategic thinking and planning. While it may not be the best fit for large groups or very young players, it is a great addition to the collection of any serious board game enthusiast looking for a unique and intellectually stimulating game.

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