Genotype: A Mendelian Genetics Game - Kickstarter

Genotype: A Mendelian Genetics Game is a worker placement, dice-drafting game set in St. Thomas' Abbey, where Gregor Mendel performed his paradigm-shifting experiments. 1-5 players take the roles of research scientists competing to collect and validate experimental data on pea plants. Players will spend time working on the monastery grounds, simulate plant breeding with dice and Punnett Squares, and use funding to further their research opportunities. 

Plan your research wisely, demonstrate your knowledge of genetics, and use the harvest schedule to your advantage to excel among your colleagues. 

 In Genotype, players collect experimental data on pea plants by observing how the plants inherit key traits from their parents: seed shape, flower color, pod color, and plant height. Throughout the game, players collect Pea Plant Cards that show a set of traits they are studying. Each round, the players will roll and select Offspring Dice to represent these traits. The Dice are keyed to a grid of genetic options (a Punnett Square) which will determine the distribution of available traits. 

The game is played over 5 rounds, each with 3 phases. Players start by working, placing their Action Markers throughout the monastery. Next, they will breed plants and take turns selecting Offspring Dice that match traits on the plants they are studying. Finally, players may use funding to acquire upgrades that will advance their research opportunities. 

Genotype includes 8 Automa Cards for "Brother Johann," an automated solo mode opponent designed by Steve Schlepphorst. You take all of your turns like in a standard multiplayer game, but your opponent will intervene, grabbing Action Spaces and Dice before you have a chance. But, as in a multiplayer game, you will be able to see what Brother Johann is beginning to research and may contest his efforts with your own.

You can check out the Kickstarter news page for Honey Buzz here.