Herbivore? Carnivore? Climbing or burrowing? Hard shell or horns? Evolution is a game of developing species in an eat or be eaten world. Elegantly simple game mechanics make this a great intro game that still has a lot of depth. Colorful artwork and solid components make it a pleasure to see if your species will survive.
Should you expand your population? Develop stronger species? Destroy the other species that threaten your food sources? Do you want to munch on the sometimes spare plantlife or tromp about eating your opponents species?
This game plays in rounds with very simple and clean mechanics that are refreshingly unlike most games we have played recently. I have a hard time putting it into a category. It has cards without being a card game. Resources without being a resource management game. It is a species unto itself and definitely our favorite new game that we’ve brought to the table this summer. (We also purchased the Flight expansion and are looking forward to adding that to our options.)
2nd – (2 player rating) A solid two-player game. Strategy changes a bit from multi player version but keeps the same flavor and adds new challenges. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5
S – (setup, takedown, instructions) Simple, elegant and still complex – this game is a joy as far as set-up and takedown. The instructions are clear and there are player aides that explain everything as a reference during gameplay. Also, bonus points for the well thought out box insert that actually makes sense. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5
T – (tactile, components, artwork, etc) Colorful and interesting cards. Solid bits for feeding and the first player Dinosaur marker is a nice touch. (It seems we will never tire of saying, “Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal!” as we pass the marker around) 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5
A – (action, mechanics, general gameplay) The object of the game is to keep your species from going extinct and score the most points. The points are tallied with food discs that are stored in pouches so your progress is hidden from opponents during gameplay. This makes for interesting decisions as to who should be attacked. The turn taking is well defined and simple with a surprising depth of strategy. There is little to no analysis paralysis as a result of the player aide cards. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5
R – (replay factor) This game has a lot of replay potential and with the addition of the Flight expansion and the upcoming Ice Age expansion, it will have even more. We are already planning to bring it to the table again as soon as possible and to introduce it to all of our gaming friends. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5
Final Thoughts – Don’t hestitate. Start evolving those species right now.
