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ATPM 4.12
December 1998

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Review: Food Chain

by Robert Paul Leitao, rleitao@atpm.com

verynice

Product Information
Author: Cajun Games
Web: http://www.CajunGames.com
Shareware Fee: $14.95

System Requirements
Mac with 68040 processor or higher
Mac OS 7.1.2 or higher

In a the digital world of blood-and-guts gaming, it’s refreshing to find a light-hearted shareware application that explores the intriguing struggle of species survival in a very entertaining way. “Food Chain” is a $14.95 shareware game from Cajun Games that’s fun to play and humorous to watch.

Most adults spend 8-10 hours a day in what’s often called a “dog-eat-dog” world. Food Chain takes this idea a little further and offers players a Seaosaur-eats-Hovenboof-eats-Yug Yug-eats-Magmaraptor environment. The important catch to this game is that in order to continue play, one member of each species must remain on the board at all times and the grid can not become overpopulated.

The game grid (see below) is similar to a checkerboard, but each species has one unique attribute that makes game play reminiscent of a beginner’s game of chess. Bonus points are awarded for a complete “food chain.” This occurs when a member of each species has an opportunity to “dine” during a single round of play. Each round requires players to place a creature on the board or execute an action. If overpopulation occurs (all spaces on the grid are occupied and creatures aren’t positioned to “feast” on their food supply), the game abruptly ends. The goal of the game is to maintain ecological balance and species survival.

[fc1 graphic]

The game randomly generates the creature to be placed or action to be taken at the start of each round. Therefore there is no way for a player to determine when an endangered species (a species with only one representative on the grid) might be repopulated. In addition, each creature has a limited “natural life” which can only be extended by “lunching” on its food source. Because a creature must be positioned to face their “meal” before points can be scored, attention to each creature’s placement on the game grid is essential for successful game play.

If a creature dies a natural death it’s replaced on the grid by a field of grass. The grass, which can only be eaten by a Hovenboof, is permanently replaced by a palm tree if it isn’t consumed in a timely manner (see below). This reduces the spaces available for continued play.

[fc2 graphic]

For each complete “food chain” that’s scored, players receive one option to replace the creature or action selected by the game. Actions include turning the position of a creature on the grid or the placement of a small pond that will protect a Seaosaur, but is instant doom for any other creature placed in the water. Occasionally, the game will generate a “grim reaper” that instantly changes any creature selected into a field of grass. Whether it be a subtle social commentary or simple coincidence, the “Yug Yug” (an cartoonish-looking character that walks on two legs) is the only creature capable of cannibalizing itself.

The folks at Cajun Games offer prize contests for players who set their minds to achieving high scores. The game is easy to understand and the random selection of creatures or actions at the start of each round makes every game a new challenge.

Along with the fast-moving and amusing Food Chain game, the CD comes packed with demo versions of 25 other shareware favorites. Food Chain from Cajun Games is the perfect stocking stuffer for the fun-loving carnivore on your holiday shopping list!

[apple graphic] Copyright © 1998 Robert Paul Leitao, rleitao@atpm.com. Reviewing in ATPM
is open to anyone. If you’re interested, write to us at reviews@atpm.com.

Reader Comments (11)

Ry'Nieshia Jimminson · November 19, 2002 - 15:55 EST #1
Why can't I go to your games?
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · November 19, 2002 - 21:09 EST #2
Ry - try describing exactly what your problem is. I just checked the Cajun Games web link at the top of this page, and it worked just fine.
Cyrus Flanders · March 19, 2003 - 13:30 EST #3
Wher can you buy the Food Chain board game?
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · March 19, 2003 - 23:32 EST #4
Cyrus - after a quick check, a download link that used to exist on the Cajun Games site is not there now. I found a message that says a new version, including support for OS X, is coming shortly, but the message mentions January, so it seems to be old. I'd suggest keeping an eye on the Cajun Games web site.
Cyrus Flanders · March 26, 2003 - 10:12 EST #5
Can you buy this at a store that isn't online?
Robert Paul · March 26, 2003 - 23:08 EST #6
Cyrus:

There's a contact info page on the CajunGames.com site. I suggest contacting the company by phone or e-mail. I'm sure there is a way to purchase the product directly from the company without having to use a Web interface.
anonymous · February 26, 2004 - 13:56 EST #7
It's a good game, but it needs work.
Jesse Menter · April 3, 2004 - 11:56 EST #8
Why cant I download Food Chain.I have looked everywhere,I dont understand
Lee Bennett (ATPM Staff) · April 3, 2004 - 18:36 EST #9
Jesse - according to the developer web site: "Food chain will be released soon through a third-party publisher (more information will be available shortly)."
Marge Bue · September 3, 2004 - 16:26 EST #10
jesse & lee- fyi, the website's said that for at least 3 years now. i've tried emailing them several times, but i've never gotten a response. although, i haven't tried recently.
Megha.M.Kumar · September 28, 2005 - 08:15 EST #11
It's good but if you can demo it it will be much better

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