Dragon Parks (2021) Board Game

Dragon Parks is a board game released in 2021 by Ankama. Designed by Nicolas Sato and featuring artwork by Ayumi Kakei, this game falls into the fantasy and puzzle categories. With a runtime of 15-30 minutes, Dragon Parks is suitable for 2-5 players aged 8 and up.

Game Components of Dragon Parks

1 Central board

1 Season token

15 Island tiles

82 Visitor tokens

5 Legendary dragon tokens

60 Transparent dragon cards

Illustrations by Ayumi Kakei

How To Setup Dragon Parks

To set up **Dragon Parks**, each player starts with three island tiles, each containing five spaces. These spaces can hold dragons, eggs, sheep, or be blank. Players receive a hand of transparent dragon cards, which are used to overlay on the island tiles. The game includes a central board and season token to track the game’s progress.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics: Drafting, Grid Coverage, Set Collection, Simultaneous Action Selection, Variable Setup, and Victory Points as a Resource.

Game Objective: Players aim to create a popular dragon park by managing dragons, eggs, and sheep on their islands. The goal is to attract the most visitors by maintaining a diverse population of dragons, hatching eggs, and ensuring there is enough food (sheep) for the dragons.

Scoring: Points are earned based on the diversity of dragons, hatched eggs, and adherence to seasonal bonuses. Visitors are lost if there are not enough sheep to feed the dragons.

Seasonal Rounds: The game is divided into three seasons, with scoring occurring at the end of each season. The player with the most visitors at the end of the three seasons wins.

Player Experience

**Dragon Parks** offers a light-hearted and engaging experience, perfect for families and casual gamers. The game is easy to learn but requires strategic thinking in card placement and resource management. The transparent cards add a unique layering mechanic, allowing players to see the evolution of their islands. Player interaction is minimal, focusing more on individual strategy than direct competition.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules and quick setup make it accessible to players of all ages.

Unique Mechanics: The use of transparent cards for layering and overlaying symbols is innovative and visually appealing.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for children as young as 8, with a cute and harmless aesthetic despite the theme of dragons eating visitors.

Quick Playtime: Games last only 15-30 minutes, making it a great filler game.

Cons

Component Quality: Some players have reported issues with the transparent cards being prone to scratches and damage.

Limited Strategic Depth: The game is not overly complex and may lack the strategic depth desired by seasoned gamers.

Victory Point Management: The game involves a lot of token stacking and exchanging, which can be distracting.

Personal Thoughts on Dragon Parks

**Dragon Parks** is ideal for families and casual gamers looking for a light, fun, and quick game. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy drafting and set collection mechanics without the need for deep strategic planning. While it may not satisfy gamers seeking complex gameplay, it is a delightful addition to any collection, offering a unique and enjoyable experience. If you liked **Dinosaur Island** but want a quicker and more family-oriented game, **Dragon Parks** is a great alternative.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.