Ecologies: Ancient Areas Game

Ecologies: Ancient Areas Game by Montrose Biology

Explore extinct ecosystems!

Based on the original food web building game, ECOLOGIES, this game looks at ancient food webs that have been preserved in the fossil record. Each biome is from a different geologic time period, from the Cambrian to the Paleogene, and everything in between. Using real science, and in collaboration with an award winning paleo artist, we imagine what life might have looked like millions of years ago.

Designed by a biology teacher, the game includes 78 unique organisms in 7 extinct biomes, and features beautiful scientific art. (108 cards total)

Players: 1-6
Ages: 12+ (8+ with included simplified rules)
Time: 60-90 minutes
Game Modes: Standard, Simplified, Single Player

The goal is to build healthy food webs in different biomes. If you create a healthy ecology you are rewarded with the perks and powers of that biome. Each organism card lists what it eats and what it’s eaten by. Cards are arranged with producers on the bottom, and predators on top. There is a trade mechanic similar to Catan where players trade with others based on what their individual needs are. It is a race to get 12 victory points and different organisms give different points. There are biotic/abiotic factor cards that can affect opponents and different strategies such as focusing on one biome, going for perks and bonuses, or disrupting other ecologies.

The game takes inspiration from titles like Settlers of Catan, Agricola, and Dominion. The gameplay is rooted in authentic science, as it is used in the classroom to teach real concepts to science students. While it is scientific enough for the classroom, it is also strategic enough for any game night.

The points system is based on ecological trophic levels. The producers (plants) are worth less and as you make your way up the pyramid organisms are worth more as 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 you have to have acres of land and hundreds of animals just to sustain one apex predator. There is a 24 page rulebook included with the card game that also gives an overview of the science.