Are you looking for a game to play double-duty for chemistry and physics? Subatomic is a bigger, more complicated game, but it might be just what you’re looking for!
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Deck-Building Game
Subatomic is a deck-building game. Players all start with only up quarks, down quarks, and photons. They can use these to either make or purchase protons, neutrons, and electrons. They can also use cards to collect energy. Energy can be used to purchase scientists, some particles, and elements.
This is each player’s starting deck. A hand is 5 cards, so you initially have to reshuffle your discard pile rather frequently. As you purchase other cards, though, your deck can grow.
Ultimately, the goal is to collect elements to score the most points. While this can be done without purchasing any additional cards (using only the photons and quarks), the other cards allow for faster element-building.
These are the possible elements in Subatomic.
Scientists in Subatomic
Scientists each have different abilities. Once purchased, they go in your discard pile like any other just-purchased card. When your draw pile is depleted, though, shuffle your discard pile and now you’ll be able to use your purchased cards as you draw them into your hand.
There are three each of seven different scientists:
- Niels Bohr
- Erwin Schrödinger
- Albert Einstein
- Marie Skłodowska-Curie
- Joseph Thomson
- Maria Goeppert-Mayer
- Ernest Rutherford
One of my favorite parts about Subatomic and Periodic is they include a booklet on the science behind the game. This booklet explains how gameplay relates to real life and which aspects were simplified.
Subatomic is Big, Expensive, and Complicated, but Worth It!
I’ll admit that I was more than a little intimidated by the game and reluctant to try it. However, after playing a couple of partial games (we ran out of time) and gaining familiarity with it, I realized that it’s a very fun, cool game.
Subatomic player board.
Now that we were finally able to finish a game, I think we’ve got gameplay to 60-90 minutes; not exactly the 40-60 minutes the box promises. However, much better than the 2+ hours we started with. I am pleasantly surprised at the simplicity of scoring. So many of these bigger games have tons of items that adjust your score. Subatomic, though, is only points from elements and bonus points (which are pretty simple).
Like all the games from Genius Games, while it’s overtly educational, it’s also legitimately fun. I would totally choose to play Subatomic for a fun game night with friends. (However, I’m admittedly a nerd with nerdy friends, so your mileage may vary.)
