DragonFlame (2014) Board Game

DragonFlame is a card game that was released in 2014 by designer Matt Loomis and published by Minion Games. The game is set in a fantasy world where players take on the roles of dragons competing to collect treasures and amass the most wealth.

Game Components of DragonFlame

9 village cards

14 castle cards

91 main deck cards

75 fire tokens

Banner cards for determining turn order

Treasure cards and DragonFlame cards

Relic cards for additional game effects.

How To Setup DragonFlame

To set up the game, lay out the village cards in a grid, depending on the number of players (2×3 for 2 players, 3×3 for 3 or more). Next, place the numbered castle cards on the table, with one more castle than the number of players. Each player receives a banner card indicating their turn order and a hand of cards from the main deck (typically three cards per player). The main deck is a mix of DragonFlame cards and treasures.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area-Control and Set Collection: Players aim to loot castles, collect treasure, capture princesses, and burn villages.

Hidden Information: Cards can be played face-up or face-down based on the banner card, introducing an element of bluffing.

Turn Order: Determined by the banner number, with the first player having to play all cards face-up and later players having more flexibility with face-down cards.

Castle Raiding: Players take turns placing cards into castles, then choose a castle to attack and resolve the cards.

Village Burning: DragonFlame cards allow players to burn villages, placing fire tokens until the village is destroyed.

Scoring: Points are awarded for treasures, destroyed villages, and final banner positions. Scoring can be complex, with bonuses and penalties for different combinations of treasures.

Player Experience

Playing DragonFlame is a highly engaging experience with minimal downtime. Players are always watching each other’s moves, trying to deduce the hidden information and make strategic decisions. The game encourages table talk, bluffing, and social interaction, making it enjoyable for both casual and serious gamers. The theme of being a dragon looting castles and burning villages is well-received, adding a fun and immersive element to the game.

Pros

Engaging Gameplay: Minimal downtime and constant player interaction.

Social Element: Encourages table talk, bluffing, and strategic thinking.

Thematic Artwork: Excellent fantasy art that enhances the game’s theme.

Scalability: Works well with 2-5 players, with minimal changes in gameplay.

Strategic Depth: Balance of strategy and luck keeps the game exciting and challenging.

Cons

Complex Scoring: The scoring mechanism can be confusing for first-time players.

Learning Curve: The game requires a few references to the rules during the initial plays to understand the scoring and card effects.

Personal Thoughts on DragonFlame

DragonFlame is an excellent addition for anyone looking for a fun, casual game with enough strategy to keep serious gamers engaged. It’s perfect for family game nights or gatherings with friends, offering a unique blend of bluffing, set collection, and area control. While it may not be complex enough for hardcore gamers as a standalone game, it serves as a great filler game that can be enjoyed by a wide range of players.

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