Dragomino (2020) – Board Game Guys

Dragomino

Dragomino is a children’s tile-laying board game designed by Bruno Cathala, Marie Fort, and Wilfried Fort, and published by Blue Orange Games. It is based on Kingdomino and was awarded the 2021 Kinderspiel des Jahres (Children’s Game of the Year). The game is popular and significant because it:

Adapts a popular game for children

Dragomino is a child-friendly version of Kingdomino, making it accessible for younger players while maintaining the strategic elements of the original game.

Educational and engaging

The game encourages logical thinking, strategy, and teamwork, while also being entertaining and engaging for young players.

Awards and recognition

The game has received positive reviews and awards, such as the Kinderspiel des Jahres, further increasing its popularity among families and children.

Game Components of Dragomino

Starting tiles for each player

Domino tiles featuring various landscapes (desert, snow, prairies, forests, mountains, volcanoes)

Dragon eggs with baby dragons or empty shells

Mommy Dragon token

Watering hole tiles (for an optional variant)

How To Setup Dragomino

To set up Dragomino, each player starts with the same base tile. Four domino tiles are laid out, and the first player is chosen, receiving the Mommy Dragon token. The dragon eggs are placed within reach of all players. The setup is relatively straightforward, though it may take a bit longer due to the need to organize the eggs and tiles.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Placement: Players take turns picking a domino tile and placing it next to their existing tiles to match landscapes.

Matching Landscapes: When a match is made, the player receives a corresponding dragon egg.

Egg Revelation: The egg is flipped over to reveal either a baby dragon (worth 1 point) or an empty shell (giving the Mommy Dragon token).

Mommy Dragon Token: The token allows the player to go first in the next round and provides a bonus point at the end of the game.

Game End: The game ends when all domino tiles have been placed. Players count their baby dragons and add the bonus point if they have the Mommy Dragon token.

Optional Variant: For older players, a variant involving watering holes on the tiles allows players to draw two eggs and choose one to keep.

Player Experience

Dragomino is designed to be engaging and accessible for young children. The game introduces basic concepts of matching, problem-solving, and probability assessment in a fun and interactive way. The colorful and diverse artwork, including unique dragon designs, enhances the player experience and encourages imagination. The game is quick, lasting between 5-15 minutes, making it ideal for children with shorter attention spans.

Pros

Simple and Engaging: Easy to understand rules and quick gameplay keep children engaged.

Educational Elements: Teaches matching, problem-solving, and basic probability concepts.

Cute Artwork: Attractive and diverse dragon designs and landscapes.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for playing with children as young as 4-5 years old.

Variants for Older Players: Includes additional rules to keep older children interested.

Cons

Color Confusion: Younger players might confuse lighter and darker green landscapes.

Setup Time: Setting up the eggs and tiles can be slightly time-consuming.

Limited Strategy for Older Kids: May become too simple for children aged 8-9.

Personal Thoughts on Dragomino

Dragomino is an excellent choice for families with younger children, offering a fun and educational gaming experience. It retains the spirit of Kingdomino but simplifies the rules, making it accessible to a younger audience. This game is perfect for introducing children to the world of board games, teaching them important skills like turn-taking, strategy, and dealing with disappointment. While it may not offer deep strategy for older children, its attractive artwork and engaging gameplay make it a valuable addition to any family’s game collection.

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