ECOSYSTEM by Genius Games – Boardgame Review

Players 2-6
Playing Time: 5 minutes per player

ECOSYSTEM, is a card drafting game for those that are looking to build the best biodiverse ecological system in their 20 card, 5 columns by 4 rows, system.

There are 11 different types of cards, including two terrain types streams, meadows, seven animal types like the dangerous bear, wolves, foxes, swift eagles and the beautiful trout, fun-loving deer and cute bunnies. Of course, there are also a couple of insects, the graceful dragonfly and the honey bees.

Each animal and terrain type scores in different ways. Such as bears get points for being next to bees and trout, Bees get points for being next to meadows and so on for every type of card.

You build your ECOSYSTEM through card drafting. Each player will start with 10 cards in their hand. Then each player will select ONE card to add to their ecosystem and pass the rest to the play to their left. You want the Swift Eagle to pair up with the rabbits and trout, or do you need a stream? You can only take one and pass the rest. What will the other players be passing your way? Will you get what you need? This is the fun of a drafting system. After you get the card, add it to your system and keep going until all ten cards are gone. Then deal another 10 and select on and then pass to your right.

Your system needs to be 5 by 4 when done and then do the point tally on how you did… Biodiversity is also very important. You do not like Bears and Wolves? If you do not have them in your system, you could lose points.

A fun, quick card game, with cute animals on them and a thought-provoking system. A great filler to play while waiting on others to show up. Or, to prepare for the more crunchy games coming.