Chaos & Confetti

Cytosis is a science-based worker placement game.  Players will compete to gain the most health points by completing cell component cards and helping a human cell complete its functions.  

Cytosis is one of Genius Games’ board games based on a more accurate depiction of scientific themes.  The entirety of Cytosis takes place within a human cell.  For those interested in learning a bit more, the game helpfully includes a booklet titled “The Science Behind Cytosis,” which explains not only how the science works but also how the designers worked to portray it within the game’s mechanics.    

Step away from the more commonly sci-fiction and fantasy themed side of board gaming and try out this easily accessible board game based on what’s happening in your body right now. 

Player Count: 2 – 5 

Ages: 10+

Playtime: 60 – 90 minutes

GAME PLAY:

After players set up Cytosis according to their player count: determining which side of the board to use, doling out the proper number of flasks, and selecting the correct number of event and goal cards, the game is pretty simple to jump right into.

Each round of Cytosis is broken into two phases.  During the first phase, players will take turns placing their flaks to either collect and exchange resources, complete cards, or set up potential later success by purchasing cards, establishing goals, or claiming the first player marker.  Players will need to strategically decide where to place their flasks, as they work to accomplish their goals and set up future plays.  They must also set up their priorities because any unclaimed spot may be taken by another player before the opportunity comes around again to take it.

After all players have used their flasks, phase two is simply retrieving flasks, and readying the board for the next round.  Cell component cards will be replaced and a new event card is revealed, adding a slight twist to the next round of play.

Rounds will continue until the final event card is revealed.  Then, players will finish one last round before going into scoring.

Scores will be determined by what component cells players completed, how many resources they have in their pools, and what goals they were able to successfully achieve.  The player with the highest final score will be declared the winner.

There are plenty more intricacies in the strategy of where to place flasks, how to maximize point potential, and how to complete cell components by moving transport disks down their track, but the basic structure and gameplay of Cytosis should be pretty easy to pick up.

OUR THOUGHTS:

As parents who are hoping to have a son who eventually also finds joy in the board game hobby, we always love finding games that are both family friendly and easily approachable.  Cytosis definitely fits that bill (though our two year-old son may still be a few years off from being able to play).  Cytosis should work for teaching younger/newer players about worker placement style games or for those looking for a less mentally taxing game night that still provides plenty of opportunity for strategy.

In terms of theming, Cytosis stands out by taking the less traveled board gaming road of being based on factual science.  The game then doubles down by including an educational booklet and explaining how real-world elements are translated into the gameplay mechanics and design.  Of course, if science isn’t your thing, the theme may not speak to you as much.

Despite having a lot of choices on flask placement and plenty to consider for potential points, Cytosis stays very quick paced.  The straightforward gameplay is easy to teach and then easy to roll with once a game starts.  As long as a player can understand the basics of placing flasks to take actions and the importance of set collections with their cards, they should be able to have plenty of fun playing Cytosis.

FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS:

Cytosis brings something a little more unique through its more scientifically accurate theming and design, which helps it be both educational and family friendly.  This worker placement style game should be easily accessible for gamers of any level and could definitely be used as a more entry level game for newer or younger players.

disclaimer: we were kindly provided with a free copy of Cytosis but all thoughts and feelings on the game are our own.