Dominant Species: Marine (2021) Board Game

Dominant Species: Marine is a standalone game in the Dominant Species series, designed by Chad Jensen and published by GMT Games in in 2021. It is a thematic sequel to the original Dominant Species game, focusing on aquatic environments and marine life. Players take on the roles of different marine species, competing for dominance in the ever-changing ecosystem.

Game Components of Dominant Species: Marine

Game board

Player boards

Wooden cubes and discs representing species markers

Species cards

Event cards

Domination cards

Action pawns

Tokens for dominance, initiative, and other game elements

How To Setup Dominant Species: Marine

Set up the game board and place species markers on the starting spaces.

Shuffle the event cards and place them in a deck.

Deal out species cards to each player, determining starting species.

Set up the domination card display and determine starting player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Dominant Species: Marine, players will use area majority/influence, grid movement, map addition, open drafting, and tile placement mechanics to expand their species and dominate the aquatic environment. The objective is to adapt to changing conditions, evolve your species, and compete for dominance in various habitats.

Player Experience

Pros

Deep strategic gameplay with multiple paths to victory

Engaging theme and artwork

Replayability due to randomized setup and event cards

Player interaction and competition for resources

Cons

Long playtime may be a deterrent for some players

Complexity may be overwhelming for new players

Luck of the draw with event cards can sometimes swing the game

Personal Thoughts on Dominant Species: Marine

Dominant Species: Marine offers a rich and immersive gaming experience for those who enjoy strategic and thematic board games. The game components are of high quality, and the gameplay mechanics provide a deep level of strategic depth. While the game may not be suitable for casual gamers due to its complexity and length, it is a rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time and effort.

In terms of pricing and availability, Dominant Species: Marine may fall on the pricier side compared to other board games, but the quality and replay value make it worth the investment for enthusiasts of the genre. Alternatives and similar games include the original Dominant Species, as well as other area control and strategy games.

In conclusion, Dominant Species: Marine is a game that is worth your time if you enjoy deep strategy games with a thematic twist. It is recommended for experienced gamers looking for a challenging and engaging experience. However, those who prefer lighter or quicker games may want to skip this one.

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