Dragon Pets (2016) Board Game

Dragon Pets is a board game released in 2016 designed by Davide Corsi. In this game, players take on the role of dragon breeders who are competing to collect the best dragon eggs and raise the most impressive dragons. The game features beautiful artwork by Japanime Games and Pendragon Game Studio, adding to the immersive experience of the game.

Game Components of Dragon Pets

4×4 grid of square dragon cards

Five colors of dragons, each with a gender and coin value

Wooden discs and matching wooden dice

Three meeples per player

Dragon eggs

Coins

How To Setup Dragon Pets

To set up the game, each player places four wooden discs along one edge of the 4×4 grid, each disc matching a wooden die in color. Each player starts with three meeples and eight coins. The dragon cards are shuffled and placed face up in the grid.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Grid Management: Players manage a 4×4 grid of dragon cards.

Dice Rolling: Players use dice to select dragons from the grid.

Resource Management: Players manage coins, which are used to refill the grid or as penalties.

Pair Collection: The goal is to gather male and female dragons of matching colors, collecting the higher coin value from each pair.

Modifiers: A white die serves as a modifier to alter the selection made by other dice.

Penalties: Players may pay coins to refill the grid or face penalties for failing to place a meeple.

End Game: The game ends when the deck runs out during a refill action, and the player with the largest coin collection wins.

Player Experience

In **Dragon Pets**, players must strategize to outmaneuver their opponents. Each turn involves harvesting dragons, refilling the grid, rerolling dice, and claiming dragons. The game is marked by tactical decisions, such as using dice to block opponents or paying coins to avoid penalties. The last few turns are particularly intense as players navigate the threat of penalties and the urgency of finding matching pairs.

Pros

Unique Mechanism: The use of dice and wooden discs creates unique opportunities each turn.

Strategic Depth: Players must make careful decisions to maximize their coin collection.

Interactive: The game allows for strategic blocking and manipulation of opponents’ moves.

Bonus System: Collecting pairs from all dragon colors offers a bonus, and dragon eggs can act as wild cards.

Cons

Fiddly: The game involves a lot of handling and passing of dice and discs.

Penalty System: The penalty for failing to place a meeple can be costly.

Luck Element: Dice rolls introduce an element of luck, which can affect strategy.

Personal Thoughts on Dragon Pets

**Dragon Pets** is a game that appeals to those who enjoy tactical fillers with a touch of luck and social interaction. It is particularly suited for players who like to think ahead and manipulate the game state to their advantage. While it may be too complex for very young children due to the need for strategic thinking, it is an excellent choice for families with older children and for adult gamers looking for a light yet engaging experience. The game’s unique mechanics and the potential for spiteful play add to its charm, making it a fun and unpredictable addition to any game night.

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