Food Chain Island

Button Shy, Across the Board, Banana Games · Board game · 2020
1 · best 1 Solo 15 min Weight 1.3/5
7.4 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
7.4 rating Ludopedia
7.2 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for logic puzzle lovers looking for a quick solo challenge. Its strength lies in its deep simplicity.

Highlights
  • Stimulating logical challenge
  • Extremely portable and compact
  • Simple and direct rules
  • High replayability via setup
Keep in mind
  • Language barrier for some
  • Can be frustrating for beginners
FOR GENRE FANS
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About the game
Imagine landing on a remote island in a forgotten corner of the ocean where the law of the jungle reigns supreme: the big eat the small. In Food Chain Island, you act as the puppet master of the wildlife, but instead of conservation, your goal is to orchestrate a massive feast. The objective is straightforward yet tricky: you start with a grid of 16 animal cards and must manipulate their movements until only one single survivor remains on the table.

The gameplay is a pure logic puzzle. On each turn, you select an animal and move it into the space of a smaller, adjacent animal. By doing so, the larger animal 'eats' the smaller one, removing that card from the board. The real challenge lies in the sequencing: if you consume the animals in the wrong order, you might end up with isolated creatures that no one can eat, causing the game to stall. If you reach a point where no valid moves are left, the game ends immediately, and you've failed your mission.

It's the perfect experience for those who love thinking several steps ahead, similar to solving a Sudoku or a sliding puzzle, but with a food chain twist. Because of its minimalist design, there's no complex setup, making it ideal for carrying in your bag or playing during a quick break. The depth comes from the variable setup and the constant need to analyze the grid before every move. Can you clear the island and leave only the king of the food chain standing? Plan your moves carefully and try not to leave anyone behind (or rather, try to leave everyone behind, except one)!
Rules videos

In English

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Game details

Families

Containers: Wallets Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Game: Food Chain Island Players: Games with Solitaire Rules Players: Solitaire Only Card Games Players: Solitaire Only Games Series: Micro Game (Matagot) Series: Simply Solo Games (Button Shy) Series: Wallet & Box Micro Games (Button Shy)
Publisher Button Shy, Across the Board, Banana Games, Even Toys and Games, Frosted Games, Matagot, Pendragon Game Studio, Salt & Pepper Games
Designer Scott Almes
Artist Annie Wilkinson
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game really only for one person?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a solo (solitaire) experience.
How long does a game take?
It's very fast! On average, you can solve the puzzle in about 15 minutes.
Is it hard to learn?
The rules are very simple, but winning the game requires significant logical reasoning.
What's in the box?
Since it's a micro game, it comes with a small set of cards, usually in a compact wallet.
Do I need a translation to play?
Language dependency is moderate; some players prefer a translated sheet to better understand the references.