Dodo (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Dodo is a cooperative action/dexterity board game that was released in in 2020. The game is designed by Cyril Bouquet, Paul Mafayon, and Andreas Resch, with artwork by KOSMOS. In Dodo, players work together in a real-time setting to save the last surviving dodo bird.

Game Components of Dodo

A large 3D mountain

A wobbly, self-moving dodo egg

Custom dice showing various tools (axe, bamboo, wood, nails, rope, or leaves)

Face-down tokens located around the mountain

Bridge pieces with different numbers of spaces to fill

A boat to be placed at the harbour

Tokens with skull symbols for added difficulty

How To Setup Dodo

To set up the game, start by assembling the 3D mountain, which can be left fully made for display or quickly disassembled for storage. Place the face-down tokens around the mountain, shuffle them, and position the dice nearby. Set the dodo egg at the top of the mountain, trapped by the dodo bird. When ready, release the egg to start the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Play: Players work together to save the dodo egg.

Real-Time Racing: The egg moves down the mountain at varying speeds.

Memory: Players need to remember the locations of matching tokens.

Dexterity: Players must quickly find and place the correct tokens.

Objective: Build bridges to slow the egg’s descent and guide it to a waiting boat at the harbour before it falls off the mountain.

Game Progression: Six bridges must be built, each with increasingly more spaces to fill. The game can be made simpler by ignoring skull symbols or more challenging by filling all spaces.

Player Experience

Playing **Dodo** is a tense yet light and playful experience. The unpredictable movement of the egg creates a thrilling race against time. Players must communicate and cooperate to remember token locations and build bridges quickly. The game is highly addictive, with players often finding themselves on the edge of their seats as the egg approaches the edge of a bridge. Losing the game is part of the fun, encouraging players to try again and improve their teamwork.

Pros

Engaging and Fun: The game is colourful, silly, and enjoyable for all ages.

Cooperative Learning: Encourages teamwork and communication among players.

Adjusted Difficulty: Options to make the game simpler or more challenging.

Unique Components: The 3D mountain and wobbly egg add a unique table presence.

Cons

Time Pressure: Some players may find the time pressure and tension stressful.

Limited Complexity: The game mechanics are straightforward and may not appeal to experienced gamers seeking deeper strategy.

Personal Thoughts on Dodo

**Dodo** is an excellent choice for families and younger gamers. It is designed for 2-4 players aged 6 and above, making it a great introduction to cooperative and real-time games. The game’s simplicity and addictive nature ensure it remains enjoyable for both children and adults. However, it may not be as appealing to seasoned gamers looking for more complex game mechanics. Overall, **Dodo** is a wonderful addition to any family game collection, offering a fun and engaging gaming experience.

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