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Dodo (2021) Board Game

ByMichail

Dodo is a two-player abstract strategy board game that was released in in 2021. The game is designed for players who enjoy grid movement mechanics and strategic gameplay. The theme of the game is centered around the extinct bird species, the Dodo.

Game Components of Dodo

  • 3D mountain made of cardboard and plastic
  • Dodo figure and egg
  • Circular tiles with various symbols
  • Dice
  • Bridge pieces
  • Tokens (including joker tokens)
  • Coin slot-style hole for used tokens
  • Rescue boat pieces

    How To Setup Dodo

    Setting up Dodo involves assembling the 3D mountain, placing the dodo figure and the egg at the top, and distributing the circular tiles face down on the table. The dice are placed within reach, and the bridge pieces and rescue boat components are ready for use. The mountain can be left assembled for display or quickly disassembled for storage.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Cooperative Play:** Players work together to save the egg.
  • Memory and Pattern Recognition:** Players roll the dice and must find matching symbols on the circular tiles to build bridges.
  • Real-time Element:** The egg rolls down the mountain, adding time pressure.
  • Bridge Building:** Players must build bridges using the correct tokens before the egg reaches the end of the current path.
  • Rescue Boat:** After building all bridges, players must prepare the rescue boat to catch the egg.
  • Game Objective:** Successfully guide the egg to the rescue boat without it falling off the mountain.

    Player Experience

    Playing Dodo is a fast-paced and tense experience, especially with the real-time element of the rolling egg. Players must work together, using their memory to recall the location of specific tokens. The game encourages teamwork and quick thinking, making it highly engaging and addictive. The colorful and whimsical art, along with the unique 3D mountain and wobbly egg, add to the excitement and charm of the game.

    Pros

  • High Replayability:** Simple to set up and quick to play, making it highly replayable.
  • Excellent Production Value:** Well-made components and a visually appealing setup.
  • Encourages Teamwork:** Promotes cooperation and communication among players.
  • Fun for All Ages:** Enjoyable for both children and adults.
  • Unique Mechanics:** The rolling egg and bridge-building mechanics are innovative and engaging.

    Cons

  • Tension and Stress:** Some players may find the time pressure and tension too high, especially in harder modes.
  • Dependence on Luck:** The game includes a random luck element, which can sometimes hinder progress.
  • Potential for Frustration:** Incorrect token choices can lead to frustration, especially under time pressure.

    Personal Thoughts on Dodo

    Dodo is an excellent choice for families and groups looking for a fun, cooperative game. It is particularly suited for younger audiences due to its simple rules and engaging gameplay, but it also offers enough challenge and excitement to appeal to adults. The game’s ability to balance memory skills with real-time pressure makes it a standout in its category. If you enjoy cooperative games with a unique twist, Dodo is definitely worth checking out.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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