Shapers of Gaia (2022)

About this game

You are a Shaper, emerging from the vault after millennia carrying the ingredients to restore Gaia and its ecosystem to its former glory! Work alongside the caretaker robot to earn prestige as you restore the ruined biomes of the land to their former splendor, repopulate species old and new, and give life to a rejuvenated ecosystem. Accumulate rare resources such as nutrients and energy to grow faster, but note that new biomes also provide resources to your rival factions. Shapers of Gaia includes six Shapers, each different, and during the game you must use your unique abilities to come out on top as you compete with others for resources and prestige. Gain prestige by arranging animals according to their established behaviors, collecting DNA samples, and unlocking new Shaper abilities. Only the Shaper with the most prestige at game's end will be allowed to permanently join the caretaker as guardians of the rebirthed Gaia.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 3.
• Rules load. At 3.3/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 14 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.