The Fox Experiment (2023) Board Game

The Fox Experiment is a board game designed by Joe Shawcross and published by Pandasaurus Games in in 2023. The game is centered around a group of players taking on the roles of foxes in a competitive environment. With a runtime of about 60 minutes and suitable for ages 14 and up, this game offers a unique and engaging experience for players interested in animals and dice mechanics.

Game Components of The Fox Experiment

Fox meeples

Custom dice

Resource tokens

Study cards

Fox cards with spaces for traits

Science cards with one-off abilities

Friendliness tokens

Player boards

Research tokens

Upgrade cards

Patron cards

How To Setup The Fox Experiment

To set up the game, each player starts with a set of initial fox cards and a study card that outlines specific traits to achieve. The resource tokens and custom dice are placed within reach of all players. The game also includes a player track to manage player order, which is determined by the resource tokens selected during the drafting phase.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Drafting Phase: Players select a male and female fox, and a resource token to determine player order for the next turn.

Breeding Phase: Players roll dice to breed foxes, combining the dice shown on the fox cards and any additional wild dice.

Trait Assignment: Players assign traits (curly tails, rounded ears, friendly barking, and spots) to the new foxes based on the dice rolls, using science cards or friendliness tokens if necessary.

Upgrades: Players use research tokens to purchase upgrades such as more kits in each litter, additional study cards, and scientific patrons.

Objective: The goal is to complete the study card by breeding foxes with specific traits, while also gaining points from upgrades, patrons, and friendliness awards. The game spans five rounds, with the player earning the most points declared the winner.

Player Experience

Playing The Fox Experiment is a engaging and rewarding experience. The game combines strategic planning with the excitement of rolling large numbers of dice, creating a tactile and satisfying gameplay experience. The drafting phase requires careful consideration of resource management and player order, adding a layer of complexity and replayability. As players breed and evolve their foxes, the game encourages strategic thinking and adaptation, making each round a new challenge.

Pros

Engaging Theme: Highlights a lesser-known piece of science and history.

Beautiful Artwork: Features gorgeous, evocative art and a pastel color scheme.

Fun Mechanics: Includes satisfying dice rolling and trait assignment.

Strategic Depth: Offers multiple strategies and opportunities for different approaches.

Emotional Engagement: Watching your fox family grow and evolve is rewarding.

Cons

Theme Sensitivity: The theme may be off-putting to some due to its association with animal experimentation.

Two-Player Experience: The game with a dummy player lacks the cutthroat competition of a multi-player game.

Personal Thoughts on The Fox Experiment

The Fox Experiment is ideal for players who enjoy mid-weight games with a blend of strategy and luck. It’s perfect for those fascinated by science and history, as well as those who appreciate games with beautiful artwork and engaging mechanics. While the theme might be sensitive for some, the game balances this with a focus on the scientific success and the evolving traits of the foxes, making it a compelling and enjoyable experience for a wide range of players.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.