Neanderthal (2015) Board Game

Neanderthal is a board game released in 2015 by designer Phil Eklund and published by Sierra Madre Games. The game takes players back to prehistoric times, where they must lead their tribe of Neanderthals to survival and success in a harsh environment.

Game Components of Neanderthal

Placards

Tribesmen

Large tribesmen

Disks

Cards

Dice

Achievement sheet

Arrowhead

How To Setup Neanderthal

To set up the game, players first need to distribute the game components according to the species they are playing as. Each player starts with a set of tribesmen, disks, and cards that represent their species’ unique abilities and strengths. The game board is set up to reflect the Pleistocene environment, complete with megafauna and other elements that will influence gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Assign Tribesmen: Players assign their male tribesmen to hunt Pleistocene megafauna.

Evolution and Environment: The game system allows players to follow their tribe’s evolution and the changes in their environment.

Complex Language and Tribes: Players develop complex language, form tribes, and build villages.

Avoid Extinction: The goal is to avoid being outcompeted by other human species and to ensure the survival and advancement of your tribe.

Player Experience

Playing **Neanderthal** is an immersive experience that delves into the critical epoch of human evolution. Players must balance resource management, strategic hunting, and environmental adaptation to ensure their tribe thrives. The game offers a unique blend of historical accuracy and strategic gameplay, making it engaging for both history enthusiasts and strategy lovers.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game is praised for its scientific accuracy, making it a favorite among history and science enthusiasts.

Complex Strategy: It offers deep strategic gameplay with multiple paths to victory.

Educational Value: Players learn about human evolution and the challenges faced by early human species.

Replayability: The game includes various scenarios and random elements, ensuring high replayability.

Cons

Complexity: With a complexity rating of 3.70, it can be daunting for new players.

Setup Time: Setting up the game can be time-consuming due to the numerous components.

Learning Curve: The rules and mechanics may take some time to fully understand.

Personal Thoughts on Neanderthal

**Neanderthal** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic games with a strong historical or scientific theme. It is particularly suited for those interested in anthropology, archaeology, or evolutionary biology. While it may have a steep learning curve, the game offers a rich and rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time to understand its mechanics. This game is not for casual gamers but is perfect for those who appreciate depth and complexity in their gaming experiences.

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