Fauna
- Designer Friedemann Friese
- Publisher HUCH! , 999 Games , Brädspel.se , Competo / Marektoy , Devir
- Illustration Peter Braun , Alexander Jung , Volker Maas , Laurent Mainardi
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Fauna, players guess the weight, length, height, tail length, and habitats of 360 animals. Players place tokens on scales and a world map to mark their guesses. Points are awarded for accurate or near-accurate guesses, while risky bets may result in losing tokens temporarily. Each round presents a new animal, and players compete to be the first to reach a target score through careful estimation and risk management.
Who Is This Game For?
Fauna is suitable for families and players aged 8 and above interested in animals and educational games. With a playtime of about 60 minutes, it fits well into a game night. It's a medium-complexity game that requires no deep prior experience but benefits from general knowledge and interest in biology.
How It Works
The core mechanic is Betting and Bluffing. Players place tokens on various scales and map areas representing animal attributes and habitats. Correct or close guesses earn points, while tokens placed too far off are removed temporarily. This creates a strategic balance between risk and reward as players try to reach the winning score first.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Friedemann Friese, Fauna was nominated for the 2009 Spiel des Jahres. It combines animal trivia with betting mechanics, making it both educational and competitive. It belongs to the family of biology and science-themed trivia games and received multiple award nominations including the Deutscher Lernspielpreis 2009.
Pro
- Educational game featuring knowledge about 360 animals
- Risk-based Betting and Bluffing mechanics
- Supports 2 to 6 players, ideal for families and friends
- Nominated for Spiel des Jahres 2009
Contra
- Suitable only for ages 8 and up
- Requires interest in animal facts and estimation
- 60-minute playtime might be long for younger players
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game focuses on animals worldwide, teaching players about their sizes and habitats through interactive gameplay. It merges biology and science with fun estimation challenges.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on making realistic estimates and balancing risk rather than always aiming for maximum points.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Fauna is designed for 2 to 6 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game of Fauna lasts about 60 minutes, suitable for a game night.
What prior experience do I need?
Fauna is a medium-complexity game suitable for families and casual gamers, requiring general interest rather than deep experience.
How does this compare to similar games?
Fauna uniquely combines animal trivia with Betting and Bluffing mechanics, setting it apart from standard trivia games.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, Fauna is aimed at players aged 8 and up and is well suited for families interested in educational games.
What mechanic makes it special?
The Betting and Bluffing mechanic makes Fauna stand out by requiring players to balance risk and reward.
Fazit
Fauna offers a compelling mix of learning and competition for families and trivia enthusiasts interested in animals. It requires patience for accurate guessing and shines in group settings.
