# Bios: Megafauna

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 2011
- **BGG Rating**: 6.8
- **BGG Rank**: #4481
- **Players**: 1-4 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 60-120 min
- **Weight**: 3.70 / 5
- **Designers**: Phil Eklund
- **Artists**: Tim Park
- **Publishers**: Sierra Madre Games
- **Categories**: Animals, Environmental, Prehistoric
- **Mechanics**: Area Majority / Influence, End Game Bonuses, Events, Grid Movement, Hidden Victory Points, Increase Value of Unchosen Resources, Movement Points, Multi-Use Cards, Open Drafting, Simulation, Solo / Solitaire Game, Square Grid, Sudden Death Ending, Tags, Variable Player Powers, Variable Set-up

## 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.Unique evolutionary simulationCreative species creationComplex strategic challengeImmersive prehistoric themeSteep learning curveCan be a bit abstractLow language dependencyFOR GENRE FANS

## Description
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.

## FAQ
### 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.