Dream Catcher (2020) Board Game

Dream Catcher is a cooperative children’s game designed by Laurent Escoffier and David Franck, and published by Space Cow in in 2020. The game revolves around the theme of helping children catch their dreams by creating patterns and working together.

Game Components of Dream Catcher

Dream cards with various symbols and images

Tactile cards with raised patterns (reminiscent of Braille)

Nightmare cards

Monster tokens

Dream tokens

Cloud boards for each player

Action cards

Bedroom boards (in some versions)

How To Setup Dream Catcher

Setup involves distributing the dream cards and tactile cards. In the cooperative version, one player draws four dream cards and five tactile cards. These cards are then secretly distributed among the players, who must identify the symbols on the tactile cards through touch alone. The game board or bedroom setup varies depending on the version, but generally involves preparing the dream track and nightmare track.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Gameplay: Players work together to catch good dreams and avoid nightmares.

Tactile Identification: Players identify symbols on tactile cards by touch.

Hand Management: Players manage action cards to catch dreams and nightmares.

Dream Track: Fill the dream track with good dreams to win.

Nightmare Track: Avoid filling the nightmare track, as it leads to losing.

Monster Mechanic: In some versions, players must catch monsters by rolling a die or using specific action cards.

Game Objective: The objective is to fill the dream track with good dreams before the nightmare track is filled or other losing conditions are met.

Player Experience

Playing Dream Catcher involves a unique blend of tactile exploration and cooperative strategy. Players must use their sense of touch to identify symbols on cards, which adds an intriguing layer of challenge and fun. The game encourages teamwork and mutual understanding, as players discuss and agree on which cards match the symbols they feel. The experience is engaging and educational, especially for children, as it develops observation skills, spatial recognition, and imagination.

Pros

Unique Tactile Mechanics: Engages players’ sense of touch in a unique way.

Cooperative Fun: Encourages teamwork and mutual understanding.

Educational Value: Develops observation skills, spatial recognition, and imagination.

High Replayability: Numerous dream cards and tactile cards ensure varied gameplay.

Excellent Production Values: Attractive artwork and well-made components.

Cons

Randomness in Monster Catching: The die-rolling mechanic for catching monsters can feel random and unnecessary.

Difficulty in Tactile Identification: The tactile cards can be very hard to identify, especially for children or those not familiar with Braille.

Personal Thoughts on Dream Catcher

Dream Catcher is an excellent choice for families with children aged 4 and up, or for anyone looking for a unique and cooperative gaming experience. It is particularly beneficial for developing tactile awareness and promoting teamwork. However, it may not be the best fit for those seeking highly strategic or competitive games, as its emphasis is on cooperative fun and tactile exploration. Overall, it is a fun, educational, and engaging game that stands out with its innovative mechanics.

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