Periodic: A Game of The Elements (2019) Board Game

Periodic: A Game of The Elements is a board game released in 2019 by Genius Games. Designed by John Coveyou and Paul Salomon, this game combines elements of economic strategy and educational content to create a unique gaming experience. Players take on the roles of chemists competing to create the best combinations of elements in their periodic table.

Game Components of Periodic: A Game of The Elements

Periodic Table Board: A colorful and sturdy board representing the periodic table.

Element Cards: Cards featuring real elements, grouped in interesting and educational ways.

Periodic Trend Cards: Cards that dictate movement across the periodic table, such as “Increase or Decrease Atomic Number” or “Increase Atomic Mass”.

Research Tokens: Used to mark elements on goal cards.

Energy Tokens: Used to activate additional Periodic Trend cards.

Goal Cards: Cards representing compounds that players must complete to score points.

Academic Track: A track where players advance to earn additional points.

Flask Game Pieces: Colorful and sturdy pieces that players move around the board[5%.

How To Setup Periodic: A Game of The Elements

Setting up the game involves placing the periodic table board in the center, shuffling and distributing the element cards, goal cards, and Periodic Trend cards. Each player chooses a flask game piece and places it at the starting position on the board. The Academic Track and energy tokens are also prepared according to the rules. The setup is fairly straightforward, allowing players to quickly begin their game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The goal is to collect elements and complete compounds to score the most points.

Movement: Players activate Periodic Trend cards to move their flask across the periodic table.

Researching Elements: Players place research tokens on goal cards to mark elements they have discovered.

Completing Compounds: Completing goal cards earns points, with the player who completes the card first receiving the most points.

Academic Track: Moving the flask across different sections of the periodic table advances the player on the Academic Track, earning additional points.

Energy Management: Players can spend energy tokens to activate additional Periodic Trend cards for more strategic movement.

Player Experience

Playing **Periodic: A Game of The Elements** is a engaging and educational experience. The game is intuitive enough for children aged 10 and above, yet strategic enough to appeal to adult gamers. Players enjoy the simplicity and brilliance of the design, which makes it easy to learn and fun to play. The game requires strategic planning and efficient movement to outmaneuver opponents, making it a great combination of science and strategy.

Pros

High-Quality Components: The game features visually appealing, high-quality components.

Educational Value: Accurately teaches chemistry concepts, including the structure and properties of the periodic table.

Strategic Gameplay: Engaging and strategic, suitable for both kids and adults.

STEM Alignment: Complies with STEM and NGSS standards, making it a great educational tool.

Fun and Learning: Combines fun gameplay with significant learning opportunities[5%.

Cons

Initial Complexity: The rules can seem overwhelming at first, but become clearer as the game progresses.

Abstract Gameplay: The mechanics, while engaging, can feel somewhat abstract to some players[4%.

Personal Thoughts on Periodic: A Game of The Elements

**Periodic: A Game of The Elements** is ideal for anyone interested in chemistry, education, or strategy games. It is particularly suited for families, science classrooms, and enthusiasts of STEM subjects. The game’s ability to blend fun with learning makes it a standout in the educational game category, and its high-quality components ensure a durable and enjoyable gaming experience. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or simply a science enthusiast, this game offers a unique and engaging way to explore the periodic table and its elements.

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