# American Megafauna

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1997
- **BGG Rating**: 6.8
- **BGG Rank**: #6935
- **Players**: 1-4 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 90-360 min
- **Weight**: 3.82 / 5
- **Designers**: Phil Eklund
- **Artists**: Phil Eklund
- **Publishers**: Sierra Madre Games
- **Categories**: Animals, Environmental, Prehistoric
- **Mechanics**: Auction / Bidding, Simulation, Variable Player Powers

## Verdict
If you enjoy a deep ecological simulation with a twist of evolution and bizarre creatures, American Megafauna might be your jam! It's a game that makes you think about how life adapts and fights for survival.Detailed ecological simulationUnique creature creationStrategic gene auctionsEvolutionary and thematic depthComplex and lengthy rulesCan be a bit slowHigh learning curveFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
Prepare for a trip back in time to the dawn of the Mesozoic Era, where Earth underwent a brutal ecological upheaval! In American Megafauna, you'll dive into the struggle for survival between dinosaurs and mammals right after a mass extinction that wiped out 96% of species. The game simulates this epic battle for planetary dominance, focusing on ecology, evolution, and, of course, DNA!

You start with a basic archetype, but the real magic happens when you use auctions to acquire genotype and DNA cards. With these, you can create bizarre and unique creatures – think horned crocodiles or saber-toothed camels! The currency for these auctions? Gene coins, drawn from a "gene pool" representing genetic potential. The game supports one to four players, and the advanced version adds an extra layer of realism with climate events, greenhouse level changes, and astronomical cycles affecting the continent of Laurentia. Biomes like swamps, deserts, and ice sheets emerge and shift, making each game a new evolutionary adventure. It's a deep and strategic experience for those who enjoy ecological simulations with a touch of prehistoric weirdness.

## FAQ
### What is the average playtime?
The playtime can vary significantly, from 90 to 360 minutes (3 to 6 hours), depending on the number of players and how familiar they are with the rules.

### How many players can participate?
American Megafauna can be played by 1 to 4 players. There's even a solo mode!

### Is this a difficult game to learn?
It has a high complexity rating (3.81/5 weight on BGG). The advanced version adds even more layers, so expect a learning curve.

### Is the theme well represented?
Yes! The game heavily focuses on simulating ecosystems, evolution, and the competition between prehistoric species in a very thematic way.

### What are the main components?
Expect a board representing ancient America, DNA and genotype cards, species markers, gene coins, and other components to simulate the environment and creatures.

### Who is this game recommended for?
It's ideal for players who enjoy complex simulations, themes of evolution and prehistoric animals, and don't mind long games with many rules.

### Are there any expansions or reimplementations?
Yes, there was a second edition, and the game has been digitally reimplemented as part of the 'Bios' series.