Run Animals, Run! (2017) Board Game

Run Animals, Run! is a board game that was released in 2017 by Mizo Games. It is designed by Chih-Fan Chen and features artwork by Yan Shi Ji. The game is intended for 2 to 4 players, with a recommended age of 12 and up. The game falls under the categories of Animals and Educational, and includes gameplay mechanics such as Area Movement, Dice Rolling, Modular Board, Race, and Random Production.

Game Components of Run Animals, Run!

16 map tiles

Resource cubes

Graveyard

Action cards

Meeples for each animal species

Survival goal cards

How To Setup Run Animals, Run!

To set up, players arrange the 16 map tiles on the table, placing resource cubes on matching illustrations. Each player chooses an animal species, taking the corresponding action cards and meeples. They also receive a Survival goal card. Players then place their meeples on the board tiles, with no limit on the number of species or meeples per tile.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Resource Collection: Players acquire cubes from the board to fulfill their Survival goal cards.

Movement: Players can move their meeples orthogonally to other map tiles.

Expel: Players can expel other animals from their tile to adjacent tiles.

Steal: Players can take a resource from the supply and discard the card.

Warm up: Players can retrieve a card from their discard pile.

Survival Goals: Completing Survival goal cards earns points and allows players to replenish their action card deck.

Game End: The game ends when a player reaches 20 points, their graveyard is filled, or their species goes extinct. The player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

Players represent various animal species in Taiwan, navigating the forest while facing human destruction. The game is relatively straightforward but requires strategic use of actions to fulfill Survival goals. Each species has unique cards and abilities, adding variety to the gameplay. The game often ends with the extinction option or a filled graveyard, highlighting the harsh reality of urbanization.

Pros

Unique Species Abilities: Each animal has distinct cards and abilities, offering different gameplay experiences.

Social Commentary: The game effectively conveys the impact of urbanization on wildlife.

Strategic Depth: Players must manage their actions and resources carefully to survive.

Cons

High Extinction Rate: Many games end with extinction, which can be frustrating for players.

Deck Management: Players need to manage their action card deck carefully to avoid killing off their own animals.

Personal Thoughts on Run Animals, Run!

**Run Animals, Run** is ideal for players who enjoy resource collection and survival games with a strong thematic element. It is particularly suited for those interested in environmental issues and willing to engage with a game that often ends in extinction. While the game can be frustrating at times, it provides a unique and thought-provoking experience that encourages strategic thinking and resource management.

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