Dominant Species (2010) Board Game

Dominant Species is a strategy board game designed by Chad Jensen and published by GMT Games in in 2010. The game is set in the distant past, where players take on the roles of different animal species competing for dominance in a changing ecosystem. With its unique theme and deep strategic gameplay, Dominant Species has garnered a strong following among board game enthusiasts.

Game Components of Dominant Species

Player Boards: Each player has a board to manage their species and elements.

Species Cubes: Representing the different animal categories.

Action Pawns: Used for worker placement.

Hexagonal Tiles: Representing various terrains (mountain, desert, forest, jungle, savannah, wetland, or sea) and tundra tiles.

Elements: Grass, grub, meat, seed, sun, and water, which are both on the tiles and players’ boards.

Dominance Cards: Powerful cards that can significantly impact gameplay.

Glaciation and Dominance Action Slots: Key components for executing specific actions.

How To Setup Dominant Species

To set up the game, players start by forming the map with hexagonal tiles representing different terrains. Each player chooses an animal category and receives an equal number of species cubes. The player boards are set up to reflect the elements required by each species. The action display section of the board is prepared, and the dominance cards are shuffled and placed within reach. The game begins with the Planning phase, where players use their action pawns to claim slots for the Execution phase.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Phases: Planning, Execution, and Reset.

Planning Phase: Players use action pawns to claim slots in the Execution phase.

Execution Phase: Actions are executed according to the slots claimed, including moving elements, tiles, and species cubes.

Reset Phase: Endangered species are removed, and housekeeping tasks are performed.

Mechanics: Worker placement, area control, tile placement, and card drafting.

Objective: Accumulate victory points by having species present in different terrains and being dominant in those terrains before the impending Ice Age.

Player Experience

Playing **Dominant Species** is a complex and engaging experience. The game demands strategic thinking and constant adaptation to the changing board state. Each turn is filled with crucial decisions, from speciation and migration to competition and glaciation. The game’s emergent complexity ensures that no two sessions are the same, keeping players on their toes. While the game can be long and sometimes brutal, the satisfaction of executing a well-thought-out strategy is rewarding.

Pros

Deep Strategy: Offers complex and nuanced gameplay with many strategic options.

High Replayability: Each game is unique due to the random setup and dynamic actions.

Thematic Integrity: The game’s theme of survival and dominance is integral and engaging.

Streamlined Rules: Despite complexity, the rules are easy to teach and intuitive to understand.

Robust Community: Active strategy forums and a dedicated player base.

Cons

Lengthy Gameplay: Games can take 120-240 minutes.

Unpredictable Dominance Cards: Can feel unfair or arbitrary at times.

Initial Component Quality: Early editions had dull and unthematic components, though later editions improved this.

Complexity: Can be overwhelming, especially for new players.

Personal Thoughts on Dominant Species

**Dominant Species** is a game tailored for experienced gamers who relish complex strategies and deep gameplay. It is perfect for those who enjoy analyzing and optimizing their moves, as the game rewards careful planning and adaptability. While it may not be the best fit for casual gamers due to its length and complexity, it is a gold mine for those who love to delve deep into game mechanics and emergent strategies. If you’re looking for a game that challenges you and keeps you engaged for hours, **Dominant Species** is an excellent choice.

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