Dragonkeepers (2023) Board Game

Dragonkeepers is a card game designed by Michael Menzel and published by KOSMOS. It was released in 2023 and is suitable for 2 to 4 players, with a recommended age of 8 and up. The game revolves around players taking on the role of dragon keepers, tasked with caring for and protecting their dragons while also competing against each other to become the best keeper.

Game Components of Dragonkeepers

Cards: Two decks forming the “Magic Book” (left and right pages), black dragon cards, starter dragon cards, shadow dragon cards, and amulet pieces.

Amulets: Pieces and pearls to complete amulets.

Rewards: Golden eggs, crests, crystals, and shadow dragon cards.

Other: Dragon eggs, crystals, and cardboard troughs for storage.

How To Setup Dragonkeepers

To set up the game, start by splitting out the black dragon cards and the starter dragon cards. Then, shuffle the two remaining decks of cards (left and right pages) into two face-down piles to form the magic book, turning the top card of each face up below. Remove the correct number of amulets based on the player count and stack the remaining ones in piles by number. Layout the other components (eggs, crystals, crests) in easy reach. Determine a start player and deal starter cards: zero to the first player, one to the second, two to the third, and three to the fourth player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players draw 1 to 3 cards from the face-up display, immediately replenishing the spots from the respective decks.

Magic Book Manipulation: The active player can place cards from their hand face down onto the magic book to change the required number or color of dragons.

Dragon Placement: Players play the exact combination of cards shown on the magic book, collecting rewards such as amulets, golden eggs, crests, and crystals.

Restrictions: Once a player plays their third different color, one of their existing colors becomes unplayable for the rest of the game.

Reward Collection: Complete amulets by collecting three pieces, earning pearls and other bonuses.

Game End: The game ends when a specified number of amulets are completed (e.g., 8 amulets for a 3-player game). The player with the most points, calculated from amulets, pearls, crests, and golden eggs, wins.

Player Experience

**Dragonkeepers** offers a dynamic and engaging experience for players of all ages. The game features adorable dragon artwork and a clever card design that ensures readability and aesthetic appeal. Each turn is filled with strategic decisions, as players must balance the need to complete amulets, collect valuable rewards, and adapt to the changing magic book combinations. The inclusion of special abilities and treasure chest tiles adds replayability and depth to the game.

Pros

Engaging Gameplay: The combination of card drafting and magic book manipulation provides a engaging and strategic experience.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above, making it a great family game.

Replayability: Treasure chest tiles and special abilities add variety to each game session.

Visually Appealing: Adorable dragon artwork and well-designed cards enhance the gaming experience.

Cons

Storage Issues: The game box may not be suitable for vertical stacking or travel due to its design.

Luck Element: The game involves a degree of luck, which may affect player satisfaction in some cases.

Personal Thoughts on Dragonkeepers

**Dragonkeepers** is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers looking for a game that is both fun and strategically engaging. It is particularly suited for players who enjoy card drafting and resource management with a touch of magic and fantasy. The game’s design ensures that both younger and older players can participate and enjoy the experience, making it a versatile addition to any game collection.

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