Dominant Species: The Card Game (2012) Board Game

Dominant Species: The Card Game is a spin-off of the popular board game Dominant Species, which was released in in 2012. The card game version was released in 2012 and is designed to be a quicker and more streamlined version of the original game, focusing on hand management mechanics.

Game Components of Dominant Species: The Card Game

Biome cards: 12 different cards representing various terrestrial and sea biomes.

Animal cards: Featuring six major animal classes (mammal, reptile, bird, amphibian, arachnid, and insect) with food chain values and element icons.

Event cards: Introduce various events that can suppress animals or alter scoring.

Victory Point Track: To record players’ gains.

Survival Track: To track players’ survival progress.

Action cards: Include animals and events.

Player disks: For tracking progress on the Survival Track.

How To Setup Dominant Species: The Card Game

To set up, players shuffle and deal a starting hand of action cards. The biome cards are arranged in a specific order, and each player chooses a starting player. The game is ready to begin once each player has their hand and the biome cards are in place.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics:

Card Play: Players take turns playing one action card or passing.

Biome Scoring: Each round takes place at a different biome, with scoring based on food chain values and element icons.

Suppression: Some cards can suppress other animals, reducing their food chain values.

Event Cards: Introduce additional challenges or benefits.

Game Objective:
– Become dominant in as many biomes as possible by having the highest food chain values.
– Accumulate victory points by winning biomes and matching element icons.
– The player with the most victory points at the end of the game wins.

Player Experience

**Dominant Species: The Card Game** offers a strategic yet quick gameplay experience. Players must strategically plan their card plays to maximize their food chain values and element matches in each biome. The game requires a balance between playing strong animals and using events to suppress opponents’ animals. The game’s pace keeps players engaged, with each round presenting new challenges and opportunities.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Despite its shorter playtime, the game offers meaningful strategic decisions.

Fast-Paced: Games typically last around 30-60 minutes.

Replayability: The combination of biome cards and event cards ensures each game is unique.

Simple to Learn: Easy to understand rules make it accessible to new players.

Cons

Luck of the Draw: The cards you draw can significantly impact your strategy.

Suppression Mechanics: Can be frustrating if your animals are frequently suppressed.

Limited Interaction: Some players might find the interaction between players limited compared to other games.

Personal Thoughts on Dominant Species: The Card Game

**Dominant Species: The Card Game** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic card games with a touch of thematic depth. It’s perfect for those looking for a game that balances complexity with playtime, making it a great addition to any game night. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking highly interactive games or those who are sensitive to the luck of the draw. If you’re a fan of evolutionary themes and quick, strategic gameplay, this game is definitely worth checking out.

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