Vivarium (2022) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Vivarium is a card game designed by Frédéric Vuagnat and published by Studio H in in 2022. The game is set in a world where players are tasked with creating their own ecosystem of animals and plants in a terrarium-like environment.

Game Components of Vivarium

Gameboard: A 4×4 card market.

Cards: Creature, equipment, and contract cards, with creatures divided into four suits and four different backgrounds.

Dominoes: Used to create coordinates for card collection.

Player markers and other accessories: For tracking progress and managing the game state.

How To Setup Vivarium

To set up Vivarium, place the gameboard in the middle of the table. Add four rows of cards to the board, including creature, equipment, and contract cards. Each player receives the necessary markers and accessories. The dominoes are shuffled and prepared for use in creating coordinates.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Collection: Players use dominoes to create coordinates to select cards from the market.

Set Collection: The game revolves around collecting sets of creature cards, which come in different suits and backgrounds.

Strategy and Planning: Players must strategically place dominoes to optimize their card collection.

Objective: The goal is to build the most valuable collection of creature cards by efficiently using the dominoes and selecting the right cards.

Player Experience

Playing Vivarium is an engaging and tense experience, as players need to carefully plan their moves to outmaneuver their opponents. The game requires a blend of strategic thinking and tactical execution, making each turn potentially crucial. The use of dominoes adds a unique twist, requiring players to think creatively about how to access the cards they need.

Pros

Unique Mechanics: The integration of dominoes for card selection is inventive and enjoyable.

Visual Appeal: The game is beautifully designed, enhancing the overall player experience.

Strategic Depth: Players must think strategically about their domino placements and card collections.

Cons

Learning Curve: New players may take some time to understand the optimal use of dominoes and card market navigation.

Luck Element: The randomness of the domino draw can introduce an element of luck that might not appeal to all players.

Personal Thoughts on Vivarium

Vivarium is ideal for fans of set collection and strategic card games. It offers a unique and engaging experience that is both challenging and rewarding. The game is suitable for teens and adults who enjoy games that require careful planning and strategic thinking. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer games with simpler rules or those who are averse to a moderate level of complexity.

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