Keystone: North America (2022) Board Game

Keystone: North America is a board game released in 2022 and designed by Jeffrey Joyce and Isaac Vega. It is published by Rose Gauntlet Entertainment and falls under the categories of Animals, Card Game, Environmental, and Puzzle. The game revolves around the concept of rebuilding the ecosystem of North America by strategically placing animal cards to create habitats and score points.

Game Components of Keystone: North America

Deck of Species Cards: Featuring various North American species.

4×4 Grid Board: With stunning artwork, and an option for a neutral background.

Wild Cards: Four cards with no assigned numeric value but a single habitat.

Skill Tokens: Used for various actions during the game.

Time Track: Counts down from 7 to 0.

Synergy Tokens (Acorn Tokens): Act as currency.

Research Tokens: Provide additional points for certain species.

Secret Objective Cards: Key to earning most points in solo mode.

Playmat and Upgraded Player Boards: Included in the Deluxe Edition.

How To Setup Keystone: North America

To set up the game, place the 4×4 grid board in the center. Along the top, position the four wild cards and the three Skill tokens (five in multiplayer). Set up the time track and cover the ‘4’ with a token. Shuffle the deck of species cards and draw six to place in “The Field.” Each player receives a player board, and in solo mode, a Secret Objective card is drawn.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Placement: Players place species cards to match habitat and sequence numbers.

Skill Actions: Use Skill tokens to perform actions like cycling new species into The Field.

Wildcard Purchase: Buy wildcards for 10 Synergy tokens.

Objective Completion: Complete Secret Objective cards for significant points.

Scoring: Calculate score based on row and column values, completed objectives, and remaining Synergy tokens.

Player Experience

Players take on the role of biologists, aiming to build an interconnected ecosystem through careful card placement. The game rewards methodical planning but also involves a degree of luck. Each turn, players can pick a species card, take a Skill action, or purchase a wildcard. The game becomes more challenging as the tableau grows, requiring strategic thinking to complete objectives.

Pros

Educational Value: Teaches about North American species and ecosystems.

Beautiful Graphics: The game features stunning artwork, though it can be overwhelming.

Solo Mode: Includes 60 increasingly difficult solo scenarios.

Strategic Depth: Encourages methodical planning and strategic thinking.

Cons

Complexity: The game can be visually overwhelming, especially with the Deluxe Edition components.

Luck Factor: Waiting for specific cards can be frustrating, similar to the “Mille Bourne problem.”

Multiplayer Issues: Some reviewers find the luck factor more pronounced in multiplayer games.

Personal Thoughts on Keystone: North America

**Keystone: North America** is ideal for players who enjoy puzzle games, set collection, and strategic planning. It is particularly suited for families and educational settings due to its focus on North American species and ecosystems. While the Deluxe Edition adds aesthetic value, it may not necessarily enhance gameplay. This game is perfect for those who appreciate a mix of luck and strategy and are willing to invest time in building a cohesive ecosystem.

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