Strain (2011)

About this game

Strain is a game of competitive bioengineering. 3 to 7 players race to create microorganisms by placing Organelles and Cytoplasm around their Organism tiles. Players battle each other by deploying Toxin attacks and placing Virus tiles on opponents. Game Play: A players turn consists of three phases: (1) Activate Dormant tiles & Draw 3 tiles into hand (2) Build up your Organisms by playing tiles & Attacking others (3) Score Organisms & Discard all but 4 tiles Strategic tension and timing come from the need to use your Organisms tiles to make ATP (the currency of the game) or Toxin (the ability to attack) causing your organism to lose resistance and become more vulnerable. Dealing with this delicate balance of weakening to become stronger is key to the game. Game play is quick and easy-to-learn. Object of the Game The first player to complete 12 victory points by completing and scoring their microorganisms wins the game.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 3 to 7.
• Rules load. At 2.2/5 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.