Objective of the Game
"On the Roads of Darwin" is a strategic board game where players take on the roles of naturalists during the time of Charles Darwin. The objective is to collect the most discovery points by researching animals and plants during an expedition.
Setting up the Game
- Lay out the game board representing different regions.
- Each player selects a color and takes the corresponding researcher set including figures and markers.
- Shuffle animal cards and plant cards into separate draw piles.
- Determine a starting player who begins the game.
Gameplay
- The game progresses in rounds, and each round consists of several phases:
- Expedition Phase: Players move their researchers across the board. The movement range is limited by the number of research markers available.
- Discovery Phase: Players can make discoveries at the locations their researchers occupy by drawing a corresponding card.
- Reporting Phase: Players can convert collected cards into completed sets to score points.
Rules and Features
- Research Markers: These markers symbolize a player's exploration resources. The number available varies depending on the starting point of the round.
- Set Collection: Collect specific combinations of cards (sets) to earn extra points.
- Special Cards may be drawn that grant players special abilities or influence over other players.
Strategic Tips
- Balance: It's essential to focus both on movement and set collection.
- Hand Management: Managing your hand effectively is crucial for forming complete sets.
- Player Interaction: Look for opportunities to influence other players' moves to gain an advantage.
The player with the most discovery points at the end of the game wins. Additional points can be awarded for unused research markers or complete sets.
