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Dogs Bond (2021) Board Game

ByMichail

Dogs Bond Board Game was released in 2021 and is designed by Sarah Mills and Kiki Vorse. It falls under the category of Animals and Children’s Game, making it a suitable choice for families and dog lovers. The game incorporates various gameplay mechanics such as dice rolling, events, hand management, hidden victory points, and ladder climbing to keep players engaged.

Game Components of Dogs Bond

  • 8 Playable Dog Character Cards
  • 54 Playable Dog Character tokens
  • 8 Human Adopter Boards
  • 6 House Cards
  • 60 Event Cards
  • 100 Attribute Cards
  • 1 Tail Wag / Rescue Story Card
  • 1 Wooden “Rope Toy” Token
  • 1 16mm six-sided die.

    How To Setup Dogs Bond

    To set up the game, each player selects a dog character card and the corresponding tokens. The adopter boards, house cards, event cards, and attribute cards are then shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Each player starts with a set of basic attribute cards, and the game is ready to begin once all components are distributed and the deck is prepared.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Mechanics:** Dice Rolling, Events, Hand Management, Hidden Victory Points, Ladder Climbing, Variable Player Powers, Variable Setup.
  • Objective:** Players take on the roles of rescue dogs aiming to collect the necessary attributes (Grooming, Obedience, Temperament, and Health) to meet the requirements of one of six potential adopters. Each turn involves drawing an event card and then playing attribute cards to build out the dog’s attributes. The goal is to find the perfect forever home based on the adopter’s preferences.

    Player Experience

    In Dogs Bond, players embark on a whimsical journey filled with play and hope. The game is easy to learn but offers a depth of strategy, making it enjoyable for both children and adults. The variability in event cards and attribute cards ensures that each game is unique, keeping players engaged and challenged. The theme of rescue and adoption adds a heartfelt element, promoting positive conversations about animal welfare.

    Pros

  • Family-Friendly:** Suitable for players aged 10 and above, making it a great game for family gatherings.
  • Variable Gameplay:** Each game offers different choices and combinations, providing high replayability.
  • Positive Theme:** Focuses on rescue and adoption, supporting real-life animal rescues through a portion of the sales.
  • Engaging Mechanics:** Combines dice rolling, hand management, and hidden victory points for a satisfying gameplay experience.

    Cons

  • Availability:** The game may be out of stock at some retailers, limiting immediate availability.
  • Complexity:** While the game is generally easy to learn, the multiple mechanics might be overwhelming for very young players.
  • User Ratings:** Some user ratings are lower than expected, indicating potential disparities in player experiences.

    Personal Thoughts on Dogs Bond

    Dogs Bond is an excellent choice for families, animal lovers, and anyone looking for a game that combines strategy with a heartfelt theme. It is particularly suited for those who appreciate games with variable setups and multiple paths to victory. While it may not be as complex as some other board games, its accessibility and positive message make it a delightful addition to any gaming collection.

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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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