On the Origin of Species (2019) Board Game

On the Origin of Species board game is inspired by Charles Darwin’s groundbreaking work on evolution. The game allows players to take on the role of different species competing for survival and adaptation in their environment. Developed by Gerard Ascensi and Ferran Renalias, this game combines educational elements with strategic gameplay.

Game Components of On the Origin of Species

Research pieces

Species tiles

Habitat knowledge cards (air, land, water)

Evolution, characters, and objects cards

Beagle track

Victory point scoring track

Final goal card

How To Setup On the Origin of Species

To set up the game, players need to lay out the board featuring the Galapagos Islands and the Beagle’s track. Each player starts with a set of research pieces and the game includes a deck of species tiles, habitat knowledge cards, and other cards. The Beagle is placed at the starting point of its journey.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Actions:

Research: Place 2 research pieces on 2 different species tiles to gain habitat knowledge.

Discover: Use acquired habitat knowledge to place new species tiles, earn victory points, and obtain evolution, characters, and objects cards. Advance the Beagle on its track.

Game Objective: The game ends when the Beagle reaches the last space of its trip. Players score evolution points based on the final goal card and add them to points obtained during the game. The player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

Players experience a mix of strategy and educational content as they assist Charles Darwin in his scientific discoveries. The game encourages strategic decision-making between researching species and discovering new ones, all while advancing the Beagle’s journey. This blend of science and strategy makes the game engaging for families and science enthusiasts alike.

Pros

Educational value: Teaches about different species and their habitats.

Strategic depth: Players must balance research and discovery for optimal points.

Family-friendly: Suitable for a range of ages.

Thematic integration: Immerses players in Charles Darwin’s journey.

Cons

Limited player count: Only supports 2-4 players.

Complexity: May be too simple for experienced board game players.

Repetitive gameplay: Some players might find the actions repetitive.

Personal Thoughts on On the Origin of Species

**On the Origin of Species** is ideal for families, educational settings, and anyone interested in science and history. It provides a unique blend of learning and strategy, making it a great addition to any board game collection focused on thematic and educational games. However, experienced gamers might find it too light on complexity.

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