Ecologies: Marvelous Microbes

Ecologies: Marvelous Microbes is a food web building card game based on the original Ecologies, looking at microscopic food webs and the amazing creatures that live in them. Each biome is from a different miniature environment or microhabitat. Using real science, and in collaboration with both a microbiologist and an award-winning science illustrator, the game looks at fascinating life forms that are usually overlooked. Designed by a biology teacher, it includes 78 unique organisms in 7 micro biomes and features scientific art.

CONTENTS: 108 cards and a 24-page rulebook that also gives an overview of the science

PLAYERS: 1-6

AGES: 12+, or 8+ with the included simplified rules

PLAYING TIME: 60-90 minutes

GAME MODES: Standard, Simplified, Single Player

GAMEPLAY: The goal is to build healthy food webs in different biomes, and a healthy ecology is rewarded with the perks and powers of that biome. Each organism card lists what it eats and what it’s eaten by, and cards are arranged with producers on the bottom and predators on top. A trade mechanic similar to Catan lets players trade based on their individual needs. It is a race to 12 victory points, with different organisms giving different points, plus biotic and abiotic factor cards that can affect opponents. Strategies include focusing on one biome, going for perks and bonuses, or disrupting other ecologies.

THE SCIENCE: The points system is based on ecological trophic levels. Producers (plants) are worth less, and organisms are worth more further up the pyramid because it takes a lot of energy to sustain them. In real life only roughly 10% of the energy makes it from one level to the next, meaning acres of land and hundreds of animals are needed to sustain a single apex predator.

INSPIRATION: Takes inspiration from titles like Settlers of Catan, Agricola, and Dominion. The gameplay is rooted in authentic science and is used in the classroom to teach real concepts to science students, while staying strategic enough for any game night.