# Amalgimal Zoo

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2013
- **BGG Rating**: 7.3
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 2-4 (Best with: 3)
- **Duration**: 15 min
- **Weight**: 3.25 / 5
- **Designers**: Matt Jones (II)
- **Artists**: Matt Jones (II)
- **Publishers**: Mattfish Games
- **Categories**: Card Game
- **Mechanics**: Set Collection

## Verdict
If you love spawning goofy hybrids and chasing sets, Amalgimal Zoo packs fun into 15 minutes.Card‑dice hybrid mechanicsVibrant component artHigh replay valueDice luck factorShallow strategic depthRECOMMENDED

## Description
In Amalgimal Zoo each player steps into the shoes of a mad scientist building hybrid creatures called "amalgimals" by splicing DNA pairs from six different colors. The deck holds 30 Lab Cards, each showing a DNA type and sometimes a special action. You may play two cards as DNA to create a new amalgimal, or use single cards for effects that boost your zoo's popularity, hinder opponents, or tweak duel outcomes. The win condition varies: either collect a full set of five amalgimals of a single color or hit the popularity score hidden on your secret objective card. Each color set awards a popularity value that feeds directly into the score. Besides breeding, you can hunt wild amalgimals or steal them from rivals. Hunts and duels are resolved with dice, using each creature's attack and defense stats, and can be influenced by Lab Cards played at any time, even out of turn. The game is quick – about 15 minutes – and supports 2‑4 players, with rules that click in minutes yet offer enough strategic depth to keep rounds fresh. Components are bright and full of personality, each amalgimal boasting unique abilities that may help or hinder its keeper. If you enjoy light card games, set collection, and a dash of dice‑driven tactics, Amalgimal Zoo delivers a fun, dynamic experience that blends deck‑building, resource management, and tactical combat.

## FAQ
### How many players can join?
It supports 2 to 4 players.

### What’s the playing time?
About 15 minutes per game.

### How complex is the game?
Light, roughly a 3/5 on the BGG weight scale.

### What components are included?
30 illustrated Lab Cards, dice, popularity markers, and objective tokens.

### Is it kid‑friendly?
Yes, suitable for ages 8+, though the cards require some reading.

### Can I play solo?
The game is designed for 2‑4 players; there’s no official solo mode.

### Are there expansions?
No official expansions have been released yet.