Linkage: A DNA Card Game (2014)

Overview

Linkage is competitive card game that is simple to learn, yet offers lots of depth, forward thinking and replay-ability for 2 to 4 players. But best of all, Linkage was designed and themed around a process normally taught in high school biology, DNA Transcription, (when an RNA copy is made from DNA for protein synthesis or other in a cell) and in this way offers a unique, engaging and tactile experience for someone to familiarize themselves with this fundamental concept of biology. In Linkage, DNA cards are randomly aligned side-by-side creating a DNA template strand. Players compete to build the most accurate RNA copy of this DNA Template by connecting their own RNA Cards side-by-side to match the DNA Template.

During a turn, players choose between one of four actions: Building onto their RNA Strand, Fixing their RNA strand, Mutating an opposing players RNA Strand, or Mutating the actual DNA Strand. Players can also pay (discard) cards from their hand to take extra actions during their turn.

Players are awarded points based upon the number of RNA Cards in their strand that correctly pair with the DNA template. The game can be played in as little 10 to 20 minutes but additional rounds can be added for a longer, more in-depth game. Multiple decks can also be added together for a game with more than 4 people, or a longer overall game.