Pocket Galapagos (2020)

Overview

While the oceans teem with endemic life, the terrestrial creatures of the Galapagos are threatened by invasive species.

In Pocket Galapagos, you will manage the indigenous animals of a lone island in the chain known for its ecological diversity, while minimizing the effects of threats caused by new species. Bolster the populations of land and sea using multi-use cards, potential combos, and a bit of press your luck in this solo player card game.

The front of each card features one of three endemic populations (Rice Rat, Carpenter Ant, or Giant Ground Finch) as well as one of nine Aquatic Species. The back of each card features a Rat, Bird, or Ant, as well as an Invasive Effect.

Each turn, the player reveals five cards from the deck. Two cards are played to The Ocean to increase populations and gain abilities (with clever card play allowing for multiple actions and effects based on the cards chosen and their order of play). While two cards are then flipped and played to either the Island Biome or Dominant Species (which have limited capacity) or to the Invasive Species. Any remaining cards are discarded for Invasive Effects.

Players score points for the cards they play, depending on how they're played, and if they make it to the 10th turn, they may win. However, the player loses the game at the end of any turn in which two or more populations are at zero and/or there are three or more of the same species in the Invasive Species.

-description from designer