Varuna
Sorry We Are French · Board game · 2021
1–100 · best 1
Solo
15–20 min
Weight 2.8/5
Buy · from US$ 16.75
—
rating
Ludopedia
7.2
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
Varuna is that flip-and-write that hooks you with its unusual theme and its connection to an already beloved universe. If you enjoy quick games with interesting decisions on each card flip and the satisfaction of filling out your sheet, this one is a treat. It's an experience that blends space exploration with underwater dinosaurs, something you don't see every day, and it works great for solo play or with a group.
Highlights
- Sci-fi dinosaur theme
- Quick and easy to learn
- Interesting tactical decisions
- Connects to Ganymede universe
- Great for solo play
Keep in mind
- May have limited direct interaction
- Requires some replayability to master
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Get ready for an interplanetary and underwater adventure with Varuna, a standalone flip-and-write game that invites you to dive deep into the familiar universe of Ganymede and Demeter. If you've enjoyed the graphic style and setting of those titles, you'll feel right at home, as Varuna shares the same visual identity and lore.
In this journey, you take on the role of an audacious scientist who has just boarded a spaceship. Your destination? Varuna, an enigmatic oceanic moon orbiting Neptune, departing directly from Jupiter's famous moon, Ganymede. But don't think this is a vacation trip! Your mission is crucial: to explore and study the dinosaurs inhabiting the depths of this fascinating aquatic world. Yes, aquatic dinosaurs on a distant moon – science is incredible!
The main goal of the game is to accumulate the most Mission Points (MP). These points are not just numbers; they represent your mastery in discovering new species, analyzing their behaviors, and contributing to the knowledge of Varuna's prehistoric oceanic life. Every decision you make when flipping cards and marking your game sheet will directly impact your research capabilities and, consequently, your final score. It's a race against time and against other scientists (if you're playing with others) to become the foremost expert on Varuna's dinosaurs!
In this journey, you take on the role of an audacious scientist who has just boarded a spaceship. Your destination? Varuna, an enigmatic oceanic moon orbiting Neptune, departing directly from Jupiter's famous moon, Ganymede. But don't think this is a vacation trip! Your mission is crucial: to explore and study the dinosaurs inhabiting the depths of this fascinating aquatic world. Yes, aquatic dinosaurs on a distant moon – science is incredible!
The main goal of the game is to accumulate the most Mission Points (MP). These points are not just numbers; they represent your mastery in discovering new species, analyzing their behaviors, and contributing to the knowledge of Varuna's prehistoric oceanic life. Every decision you make when flipping cards and marking your game sheet will directly impact your research capabilities and, consequently, your final score. It's a race against time and against other scientists (if you're playing with others) to become the foremost expert on Varuna's dinosaurs!
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
BEST
2
REC
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REC
4
BEST
5
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100
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Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Sorry We Are French
Designer
Matthieu Verdier
Artist
David Sitbon
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
1,074owners
220wishlist
31want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players does Varuna support and what's the playtime?
Varuna is super versatile! It can be played by 1 to 100 players, making it perfect for any occasion, from a solo session to a huge party. And the best part: each game only lasts 15 to 20 minutes, so you can fit in multiple rounds!
What is Varuna's complexity? Is it a beginner-friendly game?
With a BGG weight of 2.8333/5, Varuna positions itself as a medium-complexity game. It's not a super simple 'gateway' game, but it's not a heavy one either. The rules are accessible, but the decisions offer enough depth to keep players engaged.
What are the main components of the game?
Being a flip-and-write, the core components of Varuna are the cards you flip each round and the game sheets where you mark your discoveries and scores. It will likely come with pens or pencils, or you can use your preferred ones!
Does Varuna have any connection to other games?
Yes! Varuna is a standalone game, but it's set in the same universe and shares the graphic style of Ganymede and Demeter. If you already know and like those titles, you'll recognize the atmosphere and visual identity.
Who is Varuna best suited for?
Varuna is ideal for those looking for a quick game with an original theme (aquatic dinosaurs in space!), which can be played solo or with a large group. Fans of 'flip-and-write' and pattern-building games will really enjoy the tactical experience of optimizing their markings.
Are there any expansions for Varuna?
As a 2021 game, Varuna is a relatively new title. As of now, there is no information about official expansions, but the nature of 'flip-and-write' games often allows for the addition of new modules or game sheets in the future.
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