Dinosaur Island: Rawr ‘n Write (2021) Board Game

Dinosaur Island: Rawr ‘n Write is a spin-off of the popular board game Dinosaur Island, where players build and manage their own dinosaur theme parks. This version, released in 2021, takes the excitement of the original game and turns it into a roll-and-write experience. Designed by Brian Lewis, David McGregor, and Marissa Misura, this game allows 1–4 players to create their own dinosaur parks in just 30–45 minutes.

Game Components of Dinosaur Island: Rawr ‘n Write

Custom amber DNA dice: 10 dice used for resource collection.

Double-sided player sheets: For tracking park layout, resources, and progress.

Action board: Guides players through available actions.

Specialist cards: Represent staff with unique abilities.

Building cards: For attractions and special buildings.

Velveteen dice bag: For rolling the dice.

Comprehensive rulebook: Detailed instructions for gameplay.

How To Setup Dinosaur Island: Rawr ‘n Write

To set up the game, each player starts with two sheets to create their dinosaur theme park. These sheets include a large grid for drawing the park layout, and sections for tracking resources, hired specialists, and park excitement and disasters. Players also select three specialists and three buildings from a pool, adding variety to each game session.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Duration: 30-45 minutes.

Player Count: 1-4 players.

Recommended Age: Ages 10+.

Mechanics:
– Roll-and-write
– Worker placement
– Resource management

Game Objective: Build the best dinosaur theme park by collecting DNA to create dinosaurs, hiring specialists, constructing attractions and buildings, and managing park security to minimize threats and maximize visitor excitement.

Player Experience

Players engage in a highly interactive game where every decision matters. The game is divided into three years, each with two action phases and a park tour phase. During the action phases, players draft dice to gain resources, which they use to take actions such as constructing dinosaurs, roads, and buildings, or hiring specialists. The park tour phase involves running a jeep through the park to boost excitement and score points. The game requires strategic planning, especially in managing threats to the park’s security and ensuring the park is well-connected and exciting for visitors.

Pros

High Replay Value: Each game session offers unique challenges and opportunities due to the diverse pool of specialists and buildings.

Engaging Gameplay: Players must consider multiple factors in each turn, making the game thinky and engaging.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of all ages, making it a great choice for family game nights.

Compact and Easy Setup: The game is relatively small and easy to set up, contrasting with the complex feel of the gameplay.

Cons

Steep Learning Curve for New Players: While the game is designed to be intuitive, new players might find it intimidating at first.

Threat Management: Balancing threat and security can be challenging, especially in higher player counts.

Personal Thoughts on Dinosaur Island: Rawr ‘n Write

**Dinosaur Island: Rawr ‘n Write** is an excellent choice for fans of roll-and-write games and those who enjoy light worker placement and resource management. It is particularly suited for players looking for a game that feels substantial but is quick to set up and play. While it may not replace the original *Dinosaur Island* for enthusiasts, it offers a unique and enjoyable experience that is both family-friendly and strategically deep. If you are new to board games, this might not be the best starting point, but for those familiar with the genre, it is a standout addition to any collection.

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