Diatoms (2023)

Diatoms is a puzzle-y tile-placement and pattern-making game where players create their own microscopic mosaic, based on an obscure Victorian art form.

Hidden in the water all around you are tiny lifeforms known as "diatoms." These microscopic algae come in a variety of exquisite geometric shapes and patterns. Their outer layer is made with silica, giving them a jewel-like quality. Here at the Society for the Microscopic Arts, we collect the these diatoms and delicately arrange them on slides into beautiful mosaics which can only be truly seen and appreciated with a microscope. As part of your induction into the Society, you will each create your own entry for today’s Exhibition of Microscopic Mosaics.

In Diatoms, you compete with your fellow players to collect and place diatom shapes into a mosaic form. You take turns placing tiles representing algae colonies. From that placement you earn diatoms of different colors and shapes. You then strategically place these diatoms on your personal board, taking care to consider how your arrangement will be scored at the end of the game. In the base scoring, you'll want to achieve matching colors, shape variety, and symmetry along your mosaic's central lines. Each time you play, you'll also have a random judge card that will bring a unique scoring criteria to the game.

—description from publisher