Kingdomino (2016) Board Game

Kingdomino is a popular board game designed by Bruno Cathala and released in in 2016. It has received numerous awards and nominations for its innovative gameplay mechanics and engaging strategy elements. The game is published by Blue Orange in the EU and has gained a strong following among players of all ages.

Game Components of Kingdomino

48 sequentially numbered domino tiles

4 starting tiles

4 castles (one per player)

8 king meeples (2 per player in a 2-player game)

Rulebook

How To Setup Kingdomino

To set up Kingdomino, remove the tiles from the box and mix them thoroughly. Depending on the number of players, remove the appropriate number of tiles (24 for a 2-player game, 12 for a 3-player game, and use all 48 for a 4-player game). Each player receives a castle, a starting tile, and one or two king meeples. Draw a number of tiles equal to the player count, arrange them in numeric order, and lay them out face up. Players then place their king meeples on these tiles to claim them.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Tile Laying: Players connect domino tiles to their existing kingdom.

Area Control: Players aim to create large, contiguous areas of the same terrain.

Strategic Planning: Players must plan ahead, considering future tile placements.

Game Objective

The objective is to build a 5×5 grid of dominoes, ensuring that each tile matches at least one edge of an already-placed tile.

Score points by multiplying the number of tiles in each contiguous region by the number of crowns in that region.

The player with the highest score wins.

Player Experience

Kingdomino offers a delightful and challenging experience. Players must balance the desire for high-scoring tiles with the need to maintain a coherent and expandable kingdom. The game is easy to learn but hard to master, making it appealing to both new and experienced gamers. The turn order mechanism, where choosing a high-value tile forces you to pick last in the next round, adds a layer of strategy and anticipation.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to a wide range of players.

Strategic Depth: Requires planning and tactical decisions.

Beautiful Artwork: Rich and vibrant illustrations by Cyril Bouquet.

Quick Gameplay: Games typically last between 10-15 minutes.

High Replayability: Different tile combinations ensure unique games each time.

Cons

Limited Space: The 5×5 grid can become cramped, limiting optimal placements.

Luck Element: Tile draws can significantly impact strategy.

Frustration: The unpredictability of tile draws can lead to occasional frustration.

Personal Thoughts on Kingdomino

Kingdomino is an excellent addition to any game collection, suitable for families, casual gamers, and even experienced players looking for a quick, strategic game. It excels as a “filler plus” game, providing enough depth to be engaging but remaining light enough to be enjoyed in short sessions. Its versatility and high replayability make it a top-notch choice for various gaming situations. However, it may not appeal to gamers seeking more complex or long-form experiences.

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