Petris (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Petris is an abstract strategy board game released in 2021, designed by Vaïarello Loïc and illustrated by 2Tomatoes Games. The game is set in a medical theme and is designed for 2-3 players with a runtime of 10-15 minutes. With its unique gameplay mechanics and modular board, Petris offers a refreshing challenge for players looking for a mix of area majority/influence, automatic resource growth, and grid movement.

Game Components of Petris

10 Petri dishes

20 Bacteria cards per player

3 Sarcine cards per player

1 turn marker

1 Contamination card per player

2 circular turn charts

1 circular contamination chart

A set of rules.

How To Setup Petris

To set up Petris, each player takes on the role of a scientist controlling the spread of bacteria. The game starts with the distribution of the necessary components, including the Petri dishes, Bacteria cards, Sarcine cards, and the turn and contamination charts. Players place their bacteria in the Petri dishes according to the initial setup rules. The circular turn and contamination charts are used to track the game’s progress and contamination levels.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Abstract Strategy, Medical

Mechanics: Area Majority / Influence, Automatic Resource Growth, Grid Movement, Hexagon Grid, Modular Board, Variable Phase Order

Objective: The goal is to manage the spread of your bacteria so that they reproduce less, minimizing contamination points. The player with the fewest contamination points at the end of the game wins.

Gameplay:
– Players must move at least one bacterium from one dish to another during each round.
– Bacteria left alone in a dish will reproduce, making control more challenging.
– Contamination points are awarded for each Petri dish where a player has more bacteria than their opponents.

Player Experience

Playing Petris is a delicate balancing act that requires strategic thinking. The game appears simple at first but quickly becomes an intricately balanced puzzle as the bacteria populate the Petri dishes. The movement of a single bacterium can significantly affect the game’s outcome, making it engaging yet not overly complex. However, the use of cardboard bacteria tokens can feel underwhelming and lacks the desired tactile experience.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Lasts only 10-15 minutes, making it a great filler game.

Strategic Depth: Despite its simplicity, it offers a challenging and engaging puzzle-like experience.

Unique Theme: The concept of controlling bacteria adds a fresh twist to the abstract strategy genre.

Cons

Component Quality: The cardboard bacteria tokens are underwhelming and could be improved for a more immersive experience.

Limited Player Count: Designed for only 2-3 players, which may limit its appeal for larger groups.

Personal Thoughts on Petris

Petris is ideal for fans of abstract strategy games who are looking for a quick and challenging experience. It is particularly suited for families or casual gamers who enjoy puzzles and strategic thinking. However, those expecting high-quality components or a game that supports more players might find it less appealing. Overall, Petris offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience that is well worth considering for its niche audience.

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