84

In the Footsteps of Darwin is a family-friendly tableau building game where players assist Charles Darwin with his research for On the Origin of Species. Over 12 fast-paced turns, players draft animal and location tiles to add to their notebook, aiming to collect sets, publish works, and develop scientific theories to score the most points.

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84

The Verdict

based on 22 reviews

Positive 0%
Mixed 0%
Gorgeous art and high-quality components
Fast, easy to teach, minimal rules overhead
Engaging drafting with meaningful scoring choices
Charming educational theme suits families
Too light and shallow for experienced gamers
May grow stale after repeated plays
Some luck and low player interaction
Can feel like it ends too soon
95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Chairman of the Board, Chairman of the BoardVideo

This video provides a thorough overview and review of In the Footsteps of Darwin, discussing components, rules, and final thoughts on gameplay.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
MarcoOmnigamer, MarcoOmnigamerVideo

MarcoOmnigamer provides an overview of the mechanics, gameplay loop, and final thoughts on In the Footsteps of Darwin, evaluating its strengths as a light family-weight game.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Tabletop Tolson, Tabletop TolsonVideo

This video covers the Spiel des Jahres nominees for Game of the Year, discussing the highlights, expectations, and personal picks for the winner, including In the Footsteps of Darwin.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Punchboard, AdamArticle

In the Footsteps of Darwin is a fast, accessible, and surprisingly strategic set-collection game that wraps its light mechanics in a delightful theme.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Board Game Quest, Tony MastrangeliArticle

In the Footsteps of Darwin is an engaging and accessible family game with fast turns, clever tile-drafting mechanics, and wonderful production quality.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Grant Lyon, Grant LyonVideo

Grant Lyon highlights In the Footsteps of Darwin as part of his June 2023 retail board game overview, explaining its mechanics and presentation style briefly.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Allies or Enemies, Allies or EnemiesVideo

The reviewer highlights In the Footsteps of Darwin as a brilliant and engaging game, securing a well-deserved spot on their top games of all-time list through its compelling design.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
One Board Family, Ryan GutowskiVideo

This video features a countdown of the top board games from 2022, highlighting standout releases and family favorites with detailed placement and commentary.

90
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Mr-BoardgamesArticle

“In Darwin’s Footsteps is an excellent family game. The game is super fun to play with its quality material and its fast and intuitive gameplay.”

85
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Legends of Nerdvana, Legends of NerdvanaVideo

Legends of Nerdvana review In the Footsteps of Darwin, exploring its components, theme, and overall gameplay experience.

85
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
GamesReviews.com, www.webdevo.ieArticle

“This is an incredibly fun and rewarding experience, one that doesn’t take too much brain power to get going. While this would never be our “it” game of board game night, it’s a fantastic filler experience.”

85
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Nerds on EarthArticle

“I ended up being pleasantly surprised by In the Footsteps of Darwin, not only due to its production quality but also by the snappiness of the gameplay and education value. It's just a very solid game that you can teach incredibly quickly, and the rules overhead is minimal.”

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