Evolution Climate (North Star Games) Review by Man Vs Meeple

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Evolution Climate Stand-Alone
Evolution Climate Conversion Kit
Evolution XL T-Shirt
Evolution Coasters
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2-6 Player Card/Hand Management Game
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Evolution Climate Review by Man Vs Meeple
Hosted by Jeremy Salinas (Drakkenstrike)
Co-Hosted by David Waybright

[@RicoCordova]

I blindly backed this on KS without having played the base game. My wife and I played the base game at a convention recently. I was crossing my fingers we would like it. This game is AMAZING. We both loved it. My wife made me go to their website and buy all the components we won't have from the Climate expansion (Flight, Goodies, etc). I can't wait until we receive our copy. :)

[@michaelfreix5208]

Good job explaining how to play Evolution Climate. I played it for the first time this week and I told my wife I loved it. It was faily simple to learn but also a competitive game.

[@Chris.Currie]

I'll say up front that I volunteer for Northstar as demo staff any time I'm near a convention where they're exhibiting (which probably disqualifies me for free stuff :) ), but I don't do it for money or any personal gain (beyond maybe early access to the halls). I do it because I LOVE EVOLUTION. It's a game that, like they say in the vid, is a little bit intimidating looking to casual or non-gamers but is really easy to teach and becomes heavier as players progress in experience. I try really hard during my demos to get people playing the game as quickly as possible, often times walking them through a single round with a story I've made up about a group of little lizards finding a good spot for water. The first year at Essen, which was Northstar Evolution's premier, they sold out by the second day and people were still clamoring for copies. At the end of the show, we sold the discounted banged up table copies to folks who put their names on a list and showed up to buy on Sunday afternoon. We had over 50 people wanting to buy maybe 10 table copies. I did a tiny bit of playtesting for Climate and can honestly say that it makes a fantastically good, light-to-medium weight gateway game into a really strategic, medium-weight game. Competitive play is going to be even more interesting to watch. It's a fabulous, imaginative, balanced game that I'll never pass up. The only 'con' that I see for Evolution is that there's a skill curve in that experienced players will almost always win over novices. Granted, that is true for most games, but I think there's a way for experienced players and novices to play an enjoyable game without the novice feeling trounced. Aside from avoiding brutally punishing counters (e.g. eating a novice player's prey species into extinction when there are other prey species available) and providing advice when a novice makes a critical misstep, I'll play with a handicap of 5-10 food, kind of like the handicap system in Go. That way, they want to play again and I still feel challenged without ruining the experience for the others.

[@TheBgameman]

I originally learned about the game at Essen, however is was called Evolution: The Origin of Species and had 2 expansions (Continents and Flight, I think). I bought the game and LIKED it but it was fiddly. I happened to notice some time later that North Star Games bought the game and re-issued it so I picked up a copy. Wow! Great changes. When the Flight Kickstarter came out I immediately funded, as well as with Climate (which I haven't played). As an advisor for a high school board game club, this game has seen a lot of play because of the many strategies available. You are constantly having to adjust to others' species, food availability, and the cards you get (or don't). The only time I have been disappointed is when I get outplayed by freshman! Anyways, this review just makes me more excited about the release of this new expansion - it looks and sounds awesome. Thank you for the great review and overview.

[@StevenKingsley]

First off, thanks for all the hard work you two do to produce this show. Unique format and production quality is off the charts and it is greatly appreciated. Second, thanks for this review. I didn't realize all what Climate added to Evolution. This has become a must buy for me. Keep it up!

[@jcadrain3]

Evolution is a great game completely agreed. I have played it with my 8 year old Niece, non board gamers, and a group of nerdy board gaming 20 something year olds. Everyone loves this game. By round 2 even if the person explained the rules terribly you can figure out how to play and it is overall a great game. Can be casual to highly cut throat and competitive. I really cannot wait for climate as i think this will make the game substantially more tactical and fun and really want to pick up flight as well as i feel that it will add another level of complexity and fun that will just add some extra icing on the evolutionary cake.

[@kathystenning-hall6611]

A friend has Evolution and the Flight expansion. It's such a neatly designed and easily explained and played game. What a winner! During boardgame nights, it comes out a lot as it doesn't take a long time to play. We just love it. I was so excited to see Evolution Climate. A great twist! North Star are just so good and coming up with an expansion that changes the game enough to keep it interesting but not so much that you lose qualities you loved from the original. We will definitely need to add this to our collection. Can't say enough good about this game.

[@sylviem.1299]

Got the stand alone version and I am completely hooked and love it. I agree with the host it is one of my top 3 for sure. Plus you learn about actual evolutionary traits and the art work is absolutely gorgeous. So happy I got this. Thank you to the kickstarters who made it possible!

[@draco949]

I am super excited for Climate after watching. I have and love Evolution, but I was originally lukewarm when the KS went up for Climate. Having just received the Flight expansion, I felt it was too soon for another x-pac. I'm glad my fears were wrong. Both expansions seem to make new competition by adding another system to balance. I really like they did that instead of just adding crazier cards.

[@TheGameLocker]

I've played and taught this game dozens of times. It is one of those rare gems that is at once easy to PLAY, but has so much depth, and interaction! Great review!

[@doulos32]

This game has been a major hit with all the groups I play with! Easy to teach, fun mechanisms, with crunchy hard decisions to make. Love it! Your show is great by the way! Great content!

[@rodpasko9585]

This game is amazing. Tried it out in my local gaming store in a tournament and I was hooked. Love the climate idea. I own the original and the flight expansion, and I would love the conversion!!! Also this is my first viewing of any Man Vs. Meeple review. Love the 2-person format! I'm impressed and I've Subscribed.

[@AdaminWales]

This is a great video, really showcasing all that is good about the game. Evolution has become my very favourite game over the last few months - the perfect combination of intelligent theming, beautiful artwork, original gameplay, interaction and variability. The Flight expansion is a brilliant addition to the base game, and I can only imagine that Climate will be just as good. Cannot wait. Thanks for the excellent overview Man Vs Meeple.

[@darthfishead]

I love Evolution! I especially love that my 5yo daughter is into it! She gets excited about designing dinos. Climate sounds like a great addition to a fun system.

[@smoothcriminal28]

This channel is straight up amazing. You guys are doing a excellent job, production values are through the roof. Jeremy, you're one of the best buddy. Keep bringing the videos.

[@emresavas8919]

I have been enjoying the base game, and cannot wait to play this expansion.. I am personally a big fan of North Star games. They usually have this innovative ideas in their games. One thing quite interesting about this game is that it is quite easy to catch, and it is enjoyed by people with different background.. I have seen people who literally hate board games, and they actually ended up playing this game. Emre

[@DanEdelen]

Dom and his team make great games. Love the colors in this one. Glad to see Drakkenstrike back in action. If he likes a game, that means a lot, so enjoy the positive buzz, North Star!

[@radwinterboard6320]

Played this game with some dudes from North Star at a convention when the flight expansion came out. You guys hit the nail on the head in regards to it being easy to pick up and teach. Some of cards introduced in flight admittedly have some goofy strong synergy (packhunting carnivorous birds have been dominating our sessions lately) but I really love this game both mechanically and aesthetically m.

[@Meeple-Konrad]

We played this game for the first time last night. It was slow at first, but after a while I just fell in love with it. So interesting to see how to combine the cards.

[@pairatyimwilai4411]

I kickstarted this game too. I love this game for the theme in biology concept. The mechanic also simply and deep at the same time. Right now, I waiting for the climate come to my front door ASAP.

[@robertahearne423]

Thanks for the review. I've played Evolution + Flight with my children, nieces and nephews. It's a universal hit. We've learned how terribly hard it is to feed a flying carnivore. I'm looking forward to playing Climate (I kickstarted the standalone version). I do wish it was easier to combine it with Flight.

[@adamkinigson7784]

As soon as I played the base game I immediately hoped that a climate aspect of the game would be added. So excited for this! Should add another layer of depth to an already wonderful game.

[@simonandmissella]

The artwork in the game looks fantastic. Thank you for featuring a variety of the cards during the video as well as explaining the overall game play. I am sure that your review is helping to create interest in Evolution Climate as well as the base game. I've seen the base game and was not aware that there was an expansion.

[@stevejohansson8946]

I backed this on Kickstarter too and am very happy to see it being so highly regarded. Looking forward to getting my hands on the full game (and Flight expansion) soon. Thanks for going through the mechanics guys.

[@TheKiltedKraut]

I'm a HUGE fan of Evolution! I've played it several times at my gaming group that meets a few times a month. I'd love to win this game to bring and share with everyone else! It looks amazing!!! Great review/coverage of the new features too!

[@randotron]

Great review, Evolution looked interesting but this updated version adds the complexity I was hoping for! The sound was much better this time but was still clipping at times.

[@dizliamsi]

Been a fan of this game since it first came out on Kickstarter. Friends and family enjoy it, deep enough for my hardcore gaming group but easy enough for my 8 and 10 year old niece and nephew to play and even crush me. Can't wait to get my hands on the Climate conversion kit.

[@AaronGarrettMLH]

Evolution quickly became one of my favorite games. Glad to see Climate keeps the improvement coming.

[@TrollbaitMage]

I have backed all of the evolution games and my 10 year old daughter loves to play. She begs to play it almost every night, cant wait for the climate to get here

[@fullcontactgeek]

What a great game. I think it is easy to mis-play this game on the first or second run through. I initially rated it a low when I first played it. Then, the designer messaged me and encouraged me to look at it again and pointed out some of the nuances. Well, what do you know...the game was just deeper than I was able to see at the time. I love it now.

[@dustingreenlee3396]

My family played evolution last weekend for the first time and my daughter fell in love with it. Will definitely add this to my collection some day.

[@ryanwilliams8670]

I backed the second edition of Evolution on KS. It is a fabulous game! One thing to be aware of is it can be VERY competitive. If you have more casual players that get attached to their species it can lead to some irritated players. I've found with younger players I have to be careful not to eat the huge brontosaurus they've created. I've also had a game I played with a super competitive player who just made it her job to attack only me with her monstrous carnivore because I was winning. I was on the defensive the entire game as I turtled up with a few defensive herbivores and watched any additional species I put out get gobbled up. However, it doesn't have to be super competitive. I've also played games with more casual players and we built a bunch of quiet herbivores feeding at the watering hole. The game has a huge number of possible ways to play and each game tends to be different. I can't wait to get the Climate addition and see how that changes things!

[@razelquin2165]

I have the original game, which I guess is a recent version since it has the sauropod player marker, but it is crazy amounts of fun. When I visit family sometimes they remind me to bring it along. Can’t wait to add Climate into the mix, those weather cards look intense and awesome.

[@TherealCVA]

Awesome, visually appealing, well paced review format. Can't wait to watch more. Thanks!! As for the Evolution review specifically....would have liked to hear a bit more about how this works with Flight expansion, but otherwise I found the review to be complete and well thought out.

[@JardtheBard]

The Climate expansion adds another layer of depth to an already great game, can't wait to play it! Great review, look forward to more.

[@bloominoctober]

I absolutely LOVE Evolution. I'm still trying to get it to the table with my two daughters (13 and 10) because I think they'd love it too. It'll be great to get my hands on the Climate expansion (I have the Flight expansion) to add more replayability to an already amazing game!

[@imthewhiterabbit]

Wow! I dont know under which rock I slept, but never saw evolution. Thank you for bringing that up to my attention with this expansion review ;). Also, thanks again for he giveaways, very cool! Keep up the good work ;)

[@matts3155]

The addition of the climate track is a really interesting addition. Could almost make a semi coop variant to have to focus on the track. thanks for the contest!

[@JanceeWright]

Last summer, my roommates and I stopped by a local game store that we were curious about. We hadn't really delved into the world of games beyond the mainstream few, and we were intimidated. The gentleman in the shop was very welcoming and offered to demo Evolution for us then and there. If we hadn't played there in the store, we might not have come back, because it was simply overwhelming. So I will buy anything Evolution related, not only because it's a great game, but also because it was my first foray into the a hobby with which I'm now obsessed.

[@Omega1907]

Sadly I missed the climate kickstarter, but I really LOVE the original game! The Artwork is so awesome :) Great Review, all essential information tightly packed in between a nice diskussion :)

[@stephenbrandt165]

I have been interested in Evolution since I saw it a couple years ago and with this Climate element I'm even more intrigued, looking forward to the release!

[@jasonforest6477]

Agree guys! Absolutely one of my favorite games! Has one of the most original themes- and most emersive themes.of any boardgames on my game wall. Can't wait for climate!!!

[@nambugoto]

This is a great game. Depending on who you've played it with, it can be as relaxing or as brutal as you like. I've only played the base game at my local store, but I look foward to this stand-alone expansion.

[@Ranzor527]

I kickstarted the Climate expansions a couple of months ago. This video brings back all the hype i had during the campaign.. Can't wait to get my kickstarter copy in the mail in a couple of months =)

[@traciweiland2718]

I'm really enjoying the show. It's so well done. I've played Evolution once before and it was a lot of fun. I like the features that Climate adds.

[@mattparker7932]

I Kickstarter'd this game and am very anxious to play it! As a science teacher and board game lover, this game has piqued my interest like no other. Really looking forward to playing this with friends, coworkers and even students!

[@chrisschrader4004]

sounds super interesting. I've walked past this game a bunch of times thinking it looked like so many other hand management games. well done making me interested in it :)

[@EcclesCakeEater]

Great video - love the 2 sided outdoor table and the very professional broadcast. I LOVE Evolution but Flight not so much. I think Climate will be epic.

Evolution Climate has been my most wanted game ever since I heard of it :) I'm a little surprised that there are so few games about evolution since it's such an interesting topic.

[@larryweber3493]

This was given to me by a friend. It has turned into a favorite with the Grandkids (( and 13) when they visit. Amazing

[@AghaMaulana]

I reallly am interested in how this game played. Got a WIP PNP version back home and can't wait to start playing it! And now with this climate expansion, boy. This will be an amazing game.

[@lcoffee7]

I like how the climate cards have art going all the way to the edge. That's a touch.

[@scottjaworski554]

Love the system and have backed every kickstarter past the first. Would love to have some of the swag or pass a copy of the game onto friends. Thanks for the opportunity!

[@IvanGrimm1]

I really like Evolution, and this Climate version sounds even more interesting

[@andyharris4048]

I recently evaluated my Kickstarter game purchases to see if I really have been getting bang for the buck. I had to come to the conclusion that I haven't; while I haven't backed many "stinkers", there were only three games that I've Kickstarted that I truly love. One was Gamelyn's Tiny Epic Galaxies, another was the recent game Scythe from Stonemeier Games. Far and away the most play I've gotten though from a KS game has been Evolution. I've decided to curtail my KS game backing overall, but I'll always be interested in more for the Evolution line. Climate looks like a fantastic addition.

[@Viragomp]

Thanks for a really interesting, indepth video review! And OMG I would love to win a copy of Evolution: Climate (stand-alone). I always held off buying base Evolution because I've heard it doesn't play as well 2P (my preferred count). But from what I've read Climate's increased card hand changes that and makes the game incredible for couples.

[@loiceokaday656]

I order this game and I'm so looking forward to receive it and play! Some of my friends are mastering the species so much that I think this version will spice up our world! Thank you for the show.

[@ThrakattaK]

Evolution is a great game that I wish made it to the table more often. I'll be bringing it to the board game group this week for sure!

[@ebj8010]

Love the format of the show, have yet to come across a board game channel that isn't someone talking in front of a static backdrop or a frenzied one take. It's like a talk show...but for board games! Also love this game's design Fingers crossed I luck out. Good luck with the channel!

[@moby523]

Loved evolution. also have enjoyed the flight expansion. a little confused how these will all fit together but excited when the kickstarter copy of Climate arrives!

[@dplkjn]

Another quality review from you guys! Hadn't heard of this one yet, but after watching your review, it has quickly made its way onto my list! Thanks for continuing to put out such great videos!

[@benbaker5874]

I can't understand why I have never tried this game. I've always thought it looked great, I even studied evo bio - somehow this just hasn't been bought or tried. Excellent review

[@Whoolzyourdaddy]

I keep seeing this game all over the place and get so close to adding it to my collection. it sounds like I should go out and grab it!

[@manuelcarrasco9970]

I'd love to win a copy of Evolution: CLIMATE! The weather mechanic is certainly interesting. I've played the original once and it was really fun. Actually much more fun than I was expecting. Not too hard to learn, can be quite cutthroat, and just a really good game.

[@BenGreen1980]

I'm excitedly waiting for my. stand-alone copy. I was a big fan of your component reviews and am happy to see you're making videos again.

[@hardcase34]

Another great video. Someone in my game group has the original Evolution and I've played it 5 or 6 times and we love it. Keep up the good work guys!

[@kurtedwards7524]

Great Review! I really enjoy playing Evolution and it's expansion flight! I can't wait to play Evolution Climate. By far one of the best games I have ever played.

[@lynnchalfoun8968]

Thanks for this great review. I had the chance to play a prototype of Climate in January and it's interesting for me to see where it is now. I'm looking forward to it.

[@PauloRenato23]

Another great show guys :) I bought Evolution last year in Essen and really like... still have to play with the Flight expansion... you guys made me want to play it again so I'll be taking it to game night tomorrow to see if it gets played! Thank you :)

[@AdaminWales]

Evolution: Flight adds a ton of new fascinating stuff without much in the way of additional rules. It's a perfect expansion - hope you enjoy it!

[@PauloRenato23]

Played it tonight and I really liked it :) Great game and Great expansion :)

[@popscorn66]

I love this game. I cant wait for my KS to arrive. That way I can leave my Version 2 set up with Flight and an expansion I created for fish. You can find the print and play of my expansion on BGG under files of Evolution landing page. I still love your new set also. Keep up the great reviews.

[@khojigybarra]

This is the first game I've ever Kickstarted, and the review really put me at ease for what I'm getting. The game looks like it will be a great fit for my family, and maybe my youngest one will learn some new science words in the process.

[@paulspo]

Was thoroughly impressed with Evolution... really looking forward to Evolution Climate! Was one of the first to Kickstart this!

[@mixmastermeat]

I brought Evolution to the table at my first ever boardgame group, and it went over swimmingly. Very interested in the expansions.

[@davidwolf4023]

Cant wait for this.. have the original and Flight.. also in the tournament at GENCON... really enjoy this game.

[@adamwebb3955]

Kickstarted Evolution: Climate (conversion kit), and helped to demo Evolution: Flight at GenCon a while back. I'm definitely looking forward to Climate!

[@kochdog]

I've seen the game before but didn't know much about it, but you guys have pretty much sold me on it! Now I just need to play it.

[@philipc03]

I am in love with the artwork from the Evolution series. And I've found that North Star has some of the best components too.

[@davidahrens6265]

I absolutely LOVE this game and its expansions! Like you, it's one I don't ever turn down playing - definitely a top 3 game! I've introduced players in ages ranging from 8 to 40 years old and every single one of them has thoroughly enjoyed it! Every. Single. One. :)

[@jessicabotterill1027]

Love Evolution & Flight, It is rising through my deck building ranks. Keep up the good work guys and Thanks for these vids.

[@CATPLANET24]

Looks like a great game! We really like the idea! My children can't wait to play the conversion kit. My daughter likes the new traits.

[@Stormzbowler]

I liked the base evolution, but the addition of climate to the game makes me even more interested. That looks like the meat/strategy I was missing.

[@brianeggert7518]

Sounds great. I like games with multi-function cards (trait + sun/snow + food value) and tough choices. Can't wait to try it.

[@Vysetron]

Finally tried Evolution last weekend. We were saying we wished there was some kind of ecosystem mechanism but otherwise liked it. This looks like a fix!

[@standingupforwomen71]

We're always on the lookout for fun, easy to learn and well rated family games. Thanks for the review.

[@daanspitael8094]

Thanks for the contest :) And I really like your channel. It is different from the rest and well structured.Keep it up guys

[@BlueDane7]

Great review of Evolution. This show just keeps getting better! Thanks!

[@tandeme]

Great review and production value. Thanks for showing all the cards and components, that makes it easy to compare to the original game.

[@tpbdaydreamer]

great piece on evolution and climate! I really like the original, looking forward to getting the conversion kit.

[@januacoeli]

Looks great. I have Flight (love the first player marker in flight as well) but not Climate. I will definitely have to give this one a try.

[@pjpskywalker]

On my wish list! Though I still hope to find a game that properly gets across the inevitability of evolution, this one's mechanics seem like a lot of fun!

[@MowMan7]

I love the original evolution but the gameplay got a little dry for my friends. Climate looks like it will change that and add significant replayability. I'm excited to get my hands on this.

[@m.a.bromke856]

I fall in love with Evolution (the Origins of Species) when it was still published by Russian Rightgames.

[@nancydrwfan]

I've played evolution before and loved it! The climate track that this expansion adds seems very interesting.

[@dennismurray8182]

Really enjoying the new show! Looking forward to Climate...love the original game.

[@TinkerBritt]

Another good review. I've been wanting to see reviews that went beyond a rehashing of the rules.... one that talks lightly about possible strategies and important aspects of the game. I just wish the audio was a little better... it comes off as low quality.

[@dubermcdubes]

This climate expansoion/standalome looks great. I got to play the base game a few months back and loved it.

[@KevinSmithC]

I backed this one on Kickstarter. Can't wait to get my hands on it, especially after watching this review. The base Evolution is great and recommend that as well.

[@georgieyu3691]

I've not played Evolution, but it's been on my wishlist for a long time, would love to win a copy and play it, thanks for the video and good luck!

[@scotthavill7536]

As a evolutionary biologist, this game seems like it would be right up my alley

[@htyejetjjtyje]

I'm a backer from the kickstarter - Evolution - climate, I'm here waiting for September, when the game will be released (November on retail market). I will very intrigued about the player intaractions during the game, with several strategies availables ;D