Wouter & Ymke 
Ecosystem is a card drafting game where players each work to build a thriving ecosystem. The game is designed by Matt Simpson and suitable for 2-6 players, recommended for ages 10 and up. It’s a relatively quick game, taking about 15 minutes to play. Genius Games, the publisher, has made sure it’s both easy to learn and challenging enough to keep you thinking about your next move.
Setting Up the Game
To start, each player gets ten cards. These cards show different parts of nature like streams, meadows, and various animals. Players pick one card to keep, then pass the rest to the player on their left. This continues until everyone has ten cards laid out in front of them, which marks the end of the first round. In the second round, the process is the same but the cards are passed in the opposite direction.
Building Your Ecosystem
As you collect cards, you place them next to each other, trying to form a grid. The grid can be up to four cards tall and five cards wide. Each new card must touch at least one other card already in your grid. Where you place each card really matters because different cards score points differently.
How Scoring Works
In this game, how you arrange your cards is key to scoring points. For instance, bee cards are more valuable next to meadow cards. Trout cards do better next to streams or dragonflies. But, watch out where you place your fox cards—keeping them away from wolves and bears is crucial. At the end of the game, you also look at how many different types of cards you used effectively. This diversity score can really help boost your total points.
What Makes the Game Interesting
What’s really fun about Ecosystem is that every game can feel different. You can try new strategies each time, maybe focusing on connecting as many stream cards as possible or gathering a big group of wolves. The game stays fresh and exciting because you can explore different approaches to win.
The Game’s Look and Feel
The cards, illustrated by Lindsay Falsone and Martyna Szpil, are not only functional but also beautiful, adding to the game’s charm. The game also comes in a small, portable box, which makes it easy to take with you and play anywhere.
Final Thoughts
Ecosystem is a game that combines simple mechanics with compelling strategic choices. It is accessible enough for beginners yet offers enough depth to keep experienced players coming back for more. The interplay between different card types and the strategic possibilities they open up can lead to some truly satisfying moments when everything in your ecosystem clicks into place. If you’re looking for a game both quick and stimulating, Ecosystem is worth checking out.
📝 Note: A review copy of Ecosystem was provided by Genius Games.
