Bios: Megafauna
Sierra Madre Games · Board game · 2011
1–4 · best 4
Solo
60–120 min
Weight 3.7/5
7.8
rating
Ludopedia
6.8
rating
BGG
7.8
rating
Ludopedia
6.8
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
If you enjoy evolving bizarre creatures and surviving cataclysms in a deep simulation game, Bios: Megafauna is for you! Prepare for a strategic experience that transports you to the Permian.
Highlights
- Unique evolutionary simulation
- Creative species creation
- Complex strategic challenge
- Immersive prehistoric theme
Keep in mind
- Steep learning curve
- Can be a bit abstract
- Low language dependency
FOR GENRE FANS
Rules manual not indexed yet
Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
Prepare for a trip back in time to the Permian, a post-apocalyptic world where you'll guide the evolution of proto-dinosaurs and proto-mammals! In Bios: Megafauna, you not only create new species but also shape them with bizarre characteristics: imagine herbivorous velociraptors or flying dolphins. The game challenges you to deal with drastic environmental changes and fierce competition for survival. You'll track your critters by their dentition, size, aggressiveness, and even whether they prefer swimming or burrowing. Extinct species and failed plants end up in the 'tarpits,' which become victory points at the end of the game. With a setup that changes each game and unique player powers, replayability is guaranteed. It's a complex game with scientific simulation and area control mechanics, rewarding those who enjoy thinking and planning. If you like games with an evolution theme, prehistoric animals, and a good dose of simulation, get ready for this epic journey!
The game includes wooden animal pieces, a detailed map, mutation cards, various tiles, and gene chips. Despite its complexity, the in-game text is minimal, facilitating immersion. It's a deep experience for those seeking a strategic challenge with an educational touch on primitive life.
The game includes wooden animal pieces, a detailed map, mutation cards, various tiles, and gene chips. Despite its complexity, the in-game text is minimal, facilitating immersion. It's a deep experience for those seeking a strategic challenge with an educational touch on primitive life.
GALLERY
11 photos · from the community
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
1
REC
2
REC
3
REC
4
BEST
Loading playlist...
Finding best prices...
Prices unavailable at this time.
Price history — last 6 months (lowest new offer)
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Sierra Madre Games
Designer
Phil Eklund
Artist
Tim Park
What is the average playtime?
A game of Bios: Megafauna typically lasts between 60 and 120 minutes, depending on the number of players and familiarity with the rules.
Is this a beginner-friendly game?
Not exactly. With a BGG weight of 3.7/5, it's considered a more complex game, ideal for those already familiar with more elaborate board games.
How many players can participate?
The game is for 1 to 4 players. It offers a robust solo mode and is engaging at all player counts.
What's included in the box?
The box contains wooden animal pieces, a map, mutation cards, tiles, gene chips, and the rulebook.
Is the game heavily language-dependent?
The language dependency is considered low. There is minimal text on cards and components, and what exists is easily memorized or translatable.
Who would you recommend Bios: Megafauna to?
We recommend it for fans of games with themes of evolution, prehistoric animals, scientific simulation, and mechanics like area control and hand management.
What other game is it similar to?
Bios: Megafauna is a reworking/reimplementation of 'American Megafauna' by the same designer, Phil Eklund. Both explore themes of evolution and simulation.
