The Search for Lost Species (2023) Board Game

The Search for Lost Species is a board game that was released in 2023 by Renegade Game Studios. Designed by Matthew O’Malley and Ben Rosset, this game challenges players to explore the jungle in search of rare and exotic creatures that have been thought to be extinct. With beautiful artwork by Anh Le Art, players are immersed in a world of mystery and adventure as they race against time to discover these lost species.

Game Components of The Search for Lost Species

Game Board: Double-sided with two different island maps.

Pad of Note Sheets: For recording findings.

Player Screens: Four screens to hide player notes.

Scientist Pawns: Eight pawns and one expedition leader pawn.

Mountain Tokens: Seven tokens to indicate barriers.

Town Cards: Eighteen cards.

Lost Species Cards: Six cards representing different species.

Sighting Tokens: Forty tokens for marking animal sightings.

Timing Tokens: Thirty tokens to manage turn order.

Camera Trap Tokens: Four tokens for pinpointing animal locations.

Town Tokens: Four tokens for managing town visits.

Constructible Boat Token: One boat-shaped tray.

Lory Diamond Tokens: Four tokens related to the Lories species.

How To Setup The Search for Lost Species

To set up the game, start by unfolding the double-sided game board and placing it in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a set of pawns and a player screen. Distribute the note sheets, town cards, and other tokens according to the player count. The game includes a companion app that provides initial clues and helps in reporting sightings.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Time Mechanism: Players move their pawns on a time track based on the actions taken, with the player furthest behind taking the next turn.

Survey and Logic: Use surveys and logic rules to narrow down the locations of the lost species.

Sighting Tokens: Place tokens to indicate where you think animals live and check their correctness later.

Camera Traps: Use camera trap tokens to pinpoint animal locations.

Research Information: Periodically gain research information that helps in deducing the lost species’ locations.

Objective: The goal is to be the first player to correctly deduce and report the location of the lost species, earning a significant points bonus.

Player Experience

The Search for Lost Species offers a highly cerebral and puzzling experience, perfect for fans of deduction and logic games. Players must balance between taking quicker actions and more impactful ones, all while managing their position on the time track. The game builds tension as players get closer to finding the lost species, making it an engaging and suspenseful experience, especially suitable for couples and groups of 1-4 players.

Pros

High-Quality Components: Clean-cut wooden pieces and attractive art on the game board.

Variety and Challenge: Different island maps and varied rules for each species ensure a unique experience each time.

Family-Friendly: The game can be adjusted to give younger or less experienced players extra starting clues.

Eco-Friendly Production: The game is produced with eco-friendly materials.

Cons

Complexity: The game has a steep learning curve, especially for those new to deduction games.

Time Consumption: Setting up the game and managing all the components can be time-consuming.

High Risk of Incorrect Guesses: Incorrect sightings can penalize players significantly.

Personal Thoughts on The Search for Lost Species

The Search for Lost Species is ideal for those who enjoy challenging logic puzzles and strategy. It is a great follow-up for fans of The Search for Planet X, offering a new and more complex challenge. The game’s thematic focus on real-world conservation efforts adds an educational and engaging layer, making it a worthwhile addition to any board game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a quick or straightforward gaming experience due to its complexity and time requirements.

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