Evolution is a highly acclaimed digital board game that has been recognized as the #1 game of the year by Ars Technica and Vulture, as well as the best mobile strategy game by Pocket Gamer. It is a game that combines elements of natural selection and survival, where players must adapt their species in order to outlast their opponents.
The game allows players to evolve their species in response to changing environments and threats. For example, if the watering hole is running dry, players can evolve a long neck to reach food in the trees. If faced with a carnivore, players can develop a hard shell for protection. The ultimate goal is to evolve up the food chain and become the most successful species.
Unlike most board games, Evolution offers a free trial before purchase. This includes a tutorial, easy AI opponents, five campaign levels, and one multiplayer game per day. For unlimited access to all features, players can pay a one-time cost. This unlocks weekly challenges, harder AI opponents, pass and play mode, the full campaign, private multiplayer games, and unlimited matchmade games.
The game is challenging and addictive, as players must constantly adapt to the changing ecosystem and anticipate their opponents' moves. The interactive tutorial, led by a friendly professor, guides players through the game and allows them to progress from a biology intern to competing for the Nobel Prize.
The campaign mode allows players to explore Evolution Island and face off against unique boss opponents. As players progress, they can unlock new "Apex Species" with specialized strategies. The game also offers matchmade multiplayer, where players can quickly find opponents of similar skill level. They can also make friends and set up custom games, or compete in seasonal tournaments.
Evolution offers endless replayability with a one-time purchase. The full set of cards is included in the base game, with thousands of possible species combinations from 17 unique trait cards. The game also boasts a smooth user interface and fast, informative animations, making it easy to learn but difficult to master. Evolution is not just a top-tier strategy game, but a whole new animal in the world of digital board games.