GRO: Battle for the Petri Dish (1999)

About this game

Each player controls the growth and expansion of a strain of bacterium within the confines of a petri dish. The goal is to become the dominant strain. Each player starts with a single germ. Germs may grow and divide to produce more germs, which may grow and divide to produce more germs, etc. Germs may also move, and they may attempt to surround opposing germs. When a germ is surrounded, it dies. The petri dish contains 4 goal areas. The first player to gain exclusive control of 3 of the 4 areas, wins. The game consists of a board (representing the petri dish), 16 red and 16 blue 7/8" poker chips (the germs), 2 pages of rules, and 2 reference/illustration cards.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 2.0/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 10 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.