Genotype: A Mendelian Genetics Game
Play Mendel's assistants breeding pea plants, steering how seed shape, flower color and plant height are inherited.
- Designers
- Ian Zang, John Coveyou, Paul Salomon
- Published by
- Genius Games
Genotype: A Mendelian Genetics Game (2021) puts you in the role of Gregor Mendel's assistants, collecting experimental data on pea plants. You try to steer how the plants inherit four traits: seed shape, flower color, stem color and plant height. The look of a pea plant (its phenotype) depends on its genetic makeup (its genotype), and that relationship sits at the heart of the game. You take Pea Plant cards that show the traits you want to produce, and use worker placement, dice and a market to get there. For one to five players, about ninety minutes, aimed at ages fourteen and up, and it teaches real genetics.
Who it's for
You like heavier worker-placement games and want one with a science theme that teaches you how inheritance works.
Not for you if…
You want a light or story-driven game, or you do not fancy a longer ruleset. The genetics is the whole point and the game takes about ninety minutes.
Vibe's take
Thoughtful and a bit like a lab bench: you plan which traits to chase, roll to see which genes get passed on and place workers to get the parts you need. It teaches genetics along the way.
Published 2021 · 5 years ago
newer than 63% of games
In 6,536 collections
collected more than 67% of games
1–5 players · ages 12+
Best with 3 or 4 · publisher: 14+
45–90 min
longer than 77% of games · typical 30–90 min
Complexity: demanding
Takes some learning · 2.8 out of 5 · heavier than 77%
Opinions: broad agreement
Most people rate it similarly
Language: no text
Playable without the language
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