Wouter & Ymke 
If you love science and board games, Genius Games has something special for you. They’re known for creating games based on science topics, like Periodic and Genotype. Their game, Cytosis: A Cell Building Game, is a fantastic example of how learning and fun can go hand in hand. Cytosis takes you on a fascinating trip inside a human cell, turning complex cell functions into a worker placement game where you aim to gain the most health points.
👥 2-5 players, ages 10+
⌛ Playing time: 60-90 minutes
📝 Designer: John Coveyou
🎨 Artwork: Tomasz Bogusz
🏢 Publisher: Genius Games (review copy provided)
Gameplay Overview
Cytosis is played over several rounds, depending on the number of players. Each turn, players place their flask markers on the board to take different actions. At the start of every round, an event card shakes things up by offering an extra resource or reducing the cost of an action.
One of the main things you’ll do is collect resources. Some spots on the board give you resources directly, like mRNA, while others let you convert resources you’ve already collected, like proteins. You use these resources to buy cell component cards, which help you score points in different ways.
Macromolecule cards give you a one-time benefit or resource and then get discarded. Enzyme cards need to be paid for, and they score points based on how many different cards you have at the end of the game.
Hormone and hormone receptor cards require a few more steps. You start by filling a Transport Vesicle Disc with the needed resources in the Rough or Smooth ER, depending on the type. Next, you move the disc to the Golgi apparatus, where you add another resource. Finally, you place the disc in the plasma membrane action spot to resolve the card and add it to your area. Receptor cards give you health points for each specific hormone type you complete during the game.
Alcohol detoxification cards start in the Smooth ER but skip the Golgi apparatus. You play them immediately with energy, and they go straight to your area. These cards score points at the end for the players having the most completed.
When the last event card is revealed, it signals the final round. At the end of the game, you count up health points from completed enzyme cards, alcohol detox cards, goal cards you fulfilled, and any leftover resources.
Cytosis, designed by John Coveyou and published by Genius Games, is a game for 2-5 players, ages 10+, that takes about 60-90 minutes to play. Successfully funded on Kickstarter in 2017, this game is easy to teach and learn, making it accessible for everyone. The components are of good quality, with custom wooden flasks adding a charming touch. While not exceptional, everything works well and fits the game’s theme.
Gameplay and Components
In Cytosis, players place flask markers on the board to perform actions that mimic real cellular processes. What I love about this game is how closely the mechanics tie into actual biology. For example, the game involves multiple steps to complete certain actions, reflecting the complexity of real cellular functions. This multi-step process adds depth and immersion, making each game feel like a mini biology lesson.
The game board is vibrant and visually appealing, thanks to the artwork by Tomasz Bogusz. The bright colors and detailed illustrations make the game inviting and fun, especially for families and younger players.
Player Interaction and Strategy
One aspect we enjoyed is the player interaction. Aside from competing for worker placement spots, players can benefit from each other’s actions. Building hormone receptor cards, for instance, can be very strategic. When hormone cards are played, the owner of the receptor card earns points, regardless of who played the hormone card. This aspect introduces strategic depth and player interaction, keeping the gameplay lively.
Scalability
Cytosis scales well with different player counts. The main adjustment is the number of event cards used. For two players, the back of the board is used to adjust costs and benefits of action spaces, ensuring a balanced experience regardless of the number of players. This makes the game flexible and enjoyable whether you are playing with a full group or just one other person.
Our Experience
In our STEM-oriented family, science-themed games always catch our interest. Cytosis is no exception. The theme isn’t just a backdrop; it really enhances the gameplay and learning experience. The game also includes additional information on the science behind it, which we found enriching and informative.
That said, while the game offers various ways to score points and achieve goals, the gameplay can become repetitive over multiple plays. If you play frequently, you might find the strategies starting to feel similar.
Final Thoughts
We have a soft spot for worker placement games, and Cytosis integrates this mechanic beautifully with its scientific theme. The additional set-collecting aspect adds a nice challenge. Overall, Cytosis offers a fascinating glimpse into the workings of a human cell while delivering a strategic gaming experience. It’s perfect for families, especially those with children interested in biology.
📝 Disclaimer: We received a copy of the game from the publisher, Genius Games.
