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Dog Lover (2021) Board Game

ByMichail

Dog Lover is a board game designed by David Short and published by Alderac Entertainment Group in in 2021. The game is aimed at 2-4 players aged 10 and above, with a runtime of around 30 minutes. It falls under the categories of Animals and Card Game, featuring mechanisms such as Open Drafting, Set Collection, and Variable Player Powers. The game’s artwork is done by Caravan Studio and Kali Fitzgerald, adding a visually appealing element to the gameplay.

Game Components of Dog Lover

  • Game cards: 122 cards including food, bones, favorite things, Adoption cards, and more.
  • Food cubes**.
  • Dog Trick cards: Used for drafting cards from the grid.
  • Rescue Shelter cards: For rescuing dogs with unique traits.
  • Watch Dog token: Guards rows or columns on the grid.
  • Score Pad** and **Rulebook**.

    How To Setup Dog Lover

    To set up the game, players create a 3×3 grid of cards and each player starts with a dog card, which indicates the type of food the dog needs. Each player also begins with a basic Dog Trick card that determines how they will draft cards from the grid. The Watch Dog token is placed on the grid to restrict certain rows or columns. The remaining cards, including food, bones, and other types, are shuffled and placed within reach of all players.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Card Drafting: Players use Dog Trick cards to select cards from a 3×3 grid, with the ability to rotate the trick card but not mirror it.
  • Set Collection: Collecting “favorite things” and other sets for points.
  • Rescue Dogs: Collecting Adoption cards to rescue dogs from the shelter, which often have powerful abilities or higher point values.
  • Traits: Attaching traits to dogs for bonus points and special abilities.
  • Tucking Cards: Storing cards under dogs for additional points or abilities.
  • Training Cards: Used for victory points or to buy new tricks.
  • Game End: The game ends when an end-of-game card is drawn, signaling the final round.

    Player Experience

    **Dog Lover** offers a more complex and engaging experience compared to **Cat Lady**, with each turn requiring more thought and strategy. Players must carefully plan their card drafting using the Trick cards, manage their hand to maximize points, and make tactical decisions about which cards to tuck under their dogs. The game’s added mechanics, such as traits and the Fetch card, introduce new layers of depth and interaction.

    Pros

  • Increased Complexity: Offers a more challenging and engaging experience for players who enjoyed **Cat Lady**.
  • Strategic Depth: Requires careful planning and tactical decisions, making each turn more meaningful.
  • New Mechanics: Introduces traits, tucking cards, and the Fetch card, adding variety to the gameplay.
  • Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 10+ and plays in about 30 minutes.

    Cons

  • Identity Crisis: Some players may find the game feels more like an extension of **Cat Lady** rather than a distinct game.
  • Lengthier Turns: Each turn can take more time due to the increased complexity and number of decisions to be made.
  • Steep Learning Curve: New players may need to pause often to understand the effects of different cards and traits.

    Personal Thoughts on Dog Lover

    **Dog Lover** is ideal for those who enjoy card drafting and set collection games and are looking for a bit more complexity than what **Cat Lady** offers. It is a great game for families or casual gamers who want to engage in a fun, yet strategic game. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a very quick or straightforward game experience, as it requires more time and thought per turn.

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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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