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In the Footsteps of Darwin (2023) Board Game

ByMichail

In the Footsteps of Darwin is a board game that takes players on a journey through the Galapagos Islands, following in the footsteps of the famous naturalist Charles Darwin. Released in 2023, the game is designed by Grégory Grard and Matthieu Verdier and published by Sorry We Are French. The game combines elements of strategy, exploration, and education, making it a unique and engaging experience for players of all ages.

Game Components of In the Footsteps of Darwin

  • High-quality components: Full-color Beagle token, thick cardboard tiles and tokens, and watercolor illustrations.
  • Tile grid: Features various animals from different regions of the globe.
  • Player boards: Divided into grids representing continents and animal types.
  • Theory tiles: Provide end-game objectives and scoring opportunities.
  • Compass, Guide, and Publication tokens: Used for scoring and game mechanics.
  • Character tiles: Offer unique benefits and bonuses.
  • Appendix: Includes educational information on the featured species and historical figures.

    How To Setup In the Footsteps of Darwin

    To set up the game, place the main board centrally and deal out nine tiles in the relevant places. Position the Beagle token at the top of the grid. Shuffle and place the Animal and Character tiles, as well as the Theory tiles, in their designated stacks. Each player receives a Naturalist’s notebook (player board), a Guide token, and a random Theory tile. The Compass, Guide, and Publication tokens are placed in their storage areas. Finally, select a starting player and begin the game.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Tile Drafting: Players move the HMS Beagle around the tile grid to draft tiles from the row or column the ship occupies.
  • Tile Placement: Tiles are placed on the player’s board according to the continent and animal type.
  • Scoring: Points are earned from completing rows and columns, collecting Theory tiles, and multiplying compasses by visible parchment scrolls.
  • Guides and Character Tiles: Guides allow players to adjust the Beagle’s position, while Character tiles provide additional benefits.
  • Game End: The game ends when each player has placed exactly twelve tiles, and scores are tallied to determine the winner.

    Player Experience

    Playing “In the Footsteps of Darwin” is generally smooth and relaxing, with a relatively quick game time of about 30 minutes. The game requires strategic thinking about which tiles to draft and when to use guides to optimize scoring opportunities. While there is some luck involved, players can often adapt their strategy to mitigate any misfortunes. The game is best with three or four players, as it allows for better forward planning.

    Pros

  • Beautiful artwork**
  • Fantastic rulebook**
  • Supports up to five players**
  • Quick game time**
  • Educational aspects** with information on various species and historical figures.

    Cons

  • Low player interaction**
  • Tiles do not fill the entire player board**
  • Some luck that cannot always be mitigated**
  • Setup and cleanup can be tedious due to numerous pieces**.

    Personal Thoughts on In the Footsteps of Darwin

    “In the Footsteps of Darwin” is a great fit for serious board game enthusiasts and families who appreciate educational elements in their games. While it may be more tedious for casual players due to the setup and numerous pieces, the game offers a unique blend of strategy and learning. It is particularly suitable for those interested in natural history and Charles Darwin’s work, making it an excellent addition to any board game collection. However, the game could benefit from more in-depth educational content to fully capture the excitement of Darwin’s discoveries.

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    • 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

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