Illustration of a board game cover titled "Primordial Soup" (also known as "URSUPPE"), depicting various cartoonish amoeba-like creatures in an ocean landscape with a volcanic eruption in the background, under a stormy sky with lightning. The game is by Doris Matthäus & Frank Nestel, published by Z-MAN GAMES.
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Primordial Soup (1997)

ByMichail

Primordial Soup

Primordial Soup is a board game designed by Doris Matthäus & Frank Nestel and published by Z-Man Games. The game was first published in 1997 in Germany under the name Ursuppe and won the 2nd prize in the 1998 Deutscher Spiele Preis. The game revolves around each player controlling a species of primitive amoeba drifting through the primordial soup. Players guide their amoebas to move, eat, and procreate using 10 biological points received each turn. They can also evolve their species by buying gene cards, which provide amoebas with abilities such as faster movement. The game ends when a player reaches 42 points or when the last environment card is drawn, usually after 5-10 rounds, lasting 1-2 hours.

Game Components of Primordial Soup

  • Game Board: Represents the primordial soup with spaces, a scoring track, and a compass diagram.
  • Amoebas: 28 pegged discs in four sets of different colors and shapes.
  • Biological Point Tokens: 37 tokens.
  • Damage Markers: 25 beads.
  • Foodstuff Cubes: 55 cubes in each color.
  • Score Markers: 4 markers.
  • Gene Cards: 33 cards with various abilities.
  • Environment Cards: 11 cards indicating direction of drift and ozone layer changes.
  • Dice: 2 dice.
  • Reference Sheets: For quick reference and rules.

    How To Setup Primordial Soup

    Setting up Primordial Soup involves distributing the amoebas, biological point tokens, damage markers, foodstuff cubes, and score markers. Each player chooses a set of colored amoebas and places them on the board. The gene cards, environment cards, and other components are prepared according to the rules. The setup time is approximately 10 minutes.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Ecosystem Management: Control a species of amoeboid organisms within an interdependent ecosystem.
  • Feeding and Movement: Ensure your species feeds and moves effectively.
  • Gene Acquisition: Purchase genes to enhance abilities like movement, metabolism, reproduction, and defense.
  • Environment and Gene Defects: Adapt to environmental changes and manage gene mutations.
  • Cell Division: Multiply amoebas.
  • Death Phase: Manage injured amoebas.
  • Scoring: Score points based on population and genes.
  • Objective: Be the first player to reach 42 points or wait until the environment cards run out.

    Player Experience

    Primordial Soup offers a dynamic and interactive experience where players must balance the survival and evolution of their amoeba species. The game requires strategic thinking, adaptability, and planning, as players navigate a self-balancing ecosystem where the survival of one species depends on the excreta of others. The game is known for its fun and challenging gameplay, with a mix of strategy and adversarial dynamics.

    Pros

  • High Replay Value: Multiple gene combinations and dynamic environment changes ensure varied gameplay.
  • Easy to Learn: Straightforward rules and convenient reference booklets help new players.
  • Interactive Gameplay: Players must adapt to each other’s strategies and environmental changes.
  • Educational Aspect: Combines biology and strategy, making it both educational and entertaining.
  • Good Component Quality: Wooden amoebas and colorful components enhance the game experience.

    Cons

  • Limited Player Count: Best with 3-4 players; 2-player games are not viable due to game mechanics.
  • Complexity for New Players: While the rules are easy to learn, mastering the game can take time.
  • Out of Print Expansion: The expansion for 5-6 players is no longer available.

    Personal Thoughts on Primordial Soup

    Primordial Soup is an excellent choice for players who enjoy strategy games with a scientific twist. It is ideal for those who appreciate games that require adaptability, strategic planning, and a bit of luck. The game is suitable for players aged 12 and up and is a great addition to any collection for those interested in biology-themed games or unique strategy mechanics. However, it may not be the best fit for players looking for a quick, casual game, as it typically lasts around 90 minutes to 2 hours.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl