Evolution: the Beginning
Evolve a new species of creature, get eaten, evolve more, get eaten, etc...
Someone asked me this week why I keep giving away my games.
I don't.
These are all thrift store finds. Portland has a ridiculous amount of thrift stores, and dummies dump really good (sometimes $50) games regularly.
That does mean that some of these giveaways will net you a subpar version of a game.
A buddy is getting a copy of Qwixx with a Frankensteined set of dice that don't match.
Game still plays great though.
Frankensteined games are still a good time :)
This week’s giveaway is of one of my all-time favorite games.
It's gorgeous, the theme is incredible, and it's really easy to pick up and play.
There's a popular game called Evolution (and it's sequel called Oceans). Both are brilliant games about starting new species and evolving their traits over time to make them a stronger and larger species. It's great, and I'd happily play it anytime. However, it's also pretty complex and takes around 1.5-2 hours to play.
Evolution: The Beginning takes that idea and distills it down to a short, half hour game that's quick moving and easy to teach, but keeps the same interest and excitement of ever-changing species.
In the game, you fight over what little plant food is available on the planet, and make your species grow traits (flight, burrowing, scavenger, etc) to be able to get to the food first.
OR you make your species carnivorous and EAT THE OTHER PLAYER'S SPECIES.
You constantly have to be ready to change your plans based on how the other players' species are changing.
It's super fun, and you're in and out in half an hour.
I have kids in the house and don't usually have the time or capacity for a two hour game, so for now Evolution: the Beginning beats out the original Oceans or Evolution for me.
If you like longer, meatier games like Wingspan, Viticulture, or Terraforming Mars, pick up the regular Oceans or Evolution.
If you like shorter, less brain-burny games like Catan or Tickets to Ride, get Evolution the Beginning.
All 3 are fantastic.
I'm giving away a copy of Evolution: the Beginning this week. All you have to do to enter the giveaway (and all future giveaways) is to subscribe to this substack.
Leave a comment and tell me your favorite animal/creature for an additional entry.
Winner chosen on Sunday morning :)