Dice’s Zoo (2012) Board Game

Dice’s Zoo is a family-friendly board game released in 2012 by designer Kuraki Mura. The game is set in a zoo where players take on the role of zookeepers trying to attract the most visitors by collecting animals and building attractions. With colorful artwork by Homosapiens Lab, Dice’s Zoo offers a fun and engaging experience for players of all ages.

Game Components of Dice’s Zoo

50 dice, each with six pictures representing different animals and symbols of a trap.

A bag to hold the dice.

No English rulebook included in the box, but available for download from BoardGameGeek.

How To Setup Dice’s Zoo

To set up the game, players pour all 50 dice into the bag. Each player then draws 12 dice, rolls them, and spreads the outcomes in front of them. This preparation sets the stage for the animal-filled festivities.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Drawing and Rolling: Players draw 12 dice, roll them, and display the results.

Mediating Animals: On their turn, a player acts as a mediator, sending groups of animals (based on the dice) to the middle of the table.

Grouping Animals: Players must send a larger group of the same animal or a stronger type than what is already in the middle.

Special Abilities: Each animal has its own special ability, which can be activated when placed in the middle.

Re-rolling: Players can choose to re-roll any set of their unused dice, but must keep the result, ending their turn.

Objective: The goal is to get rid of all your dice. The game ends when one player has played their last die, and the winner is determined after a fixed number of rounds based on the smallest total of penalty points for remaining dice.

Player Experience

Dice’s Zoo offers a fun and relaxing experience, similar to card games but with the unpredictability of dice rolls. Players must strategically use their dice, taking advantage of the special abilities each animal provides. The game is simple enough for children aged six and up, yet engaging for adults due to its strategic depth and the element of luck.

Pros

Quick and Fun: Games are short, lasting around 10 minutes per round.

Suitable for Children: Easy to learn and suitable for children aged six and up.

Special Abilities: Each animal has unique abilities, adding variety and strategy.

Re-rolling Option: Players can re-roll dice, providing a second chance.

Variable Playing Time: Players can determine the length of the game by selecting the number of rounds.

Cons

Availability: Limited availability of the game.

No English Rulebook: The game does not come with an English rulebook, requiring players to download it from BoardGameGeek.

Luck-Dependent: The outcome is heavily influenced by luck, which can be a drawback for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Dice’s Zoo

Dice’s Zoo is perfect for families and casual gamers who enjoy light, entertaining games. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for a quick and fun experience that doesn’t require complex strategies. The game’s simple rules and short playing time make it an ideal addition to any game night or family gathering. However, it may not appeal to serious gamers who prefer more complex and strategic games.

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