SOS Dino (2018) Board Game – Board Game Guys

SOS Dino is a cooperative board game designed by Ludovic Maublanc and Théo Rivière, released in 2018 by LOKI. The game is set in a prehistoric world where players must work together to save the dinosaurs from a volcanic eruption.

Game Components of SOS Dino

4 dinosaur figurines

1 game board

4 volcanoes

4 mountains

9 obstacles

58 danger tiles

6 dino egg tokens

1 big fabric bag

1 rules booklet.

How To Setup SOS Dino

To set up SOS Dino, start by laying out the game board. Place the dinosaurs on their designated starting spots and the eggs on their respective starting positions. Build the mountains by fitting them into the corners of the board, and set up the volcanoes on their starting spaces. Add the tiles to the tile bag, and optionally include additional obstacles like thorny bushes for a harder game. Finally, place the rocks on their various spots on the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Cooperative Game: Players work together to save the dinosaurs and their eggs.

Tile Placement: Draw a tile from the bag and place it on the board to extend the lava flow or place a meteorite.

Movement: Tiles may indicate moving one or two dinosaurs to safety.

Volcano Eruption: If a lava tile cannot be placed, the volcano erupts, introducing new lava flows.

Objective: Save as many dinosaurs and eggs as possible by moving them to the mountains before the game ends due to all dinosaurs being eliminated or the tile bag being depleted.

Player Experience

SOS Dino is designed to be a fun and engaging game for families, especially those with young dinosaur enthusiasts. The game is easy to learn, with simple turns involving drawing a tile and taking the indicated action. The game promotes teamwork and strategic thinking as players must navigate the spreading lava and falling meteorites to save the dinosaurs and their eggs. The high-quality components, including thick cardboard and weighty pieces, enhance the tactile experience. The game’s difficulty can be adjusted by adding optional obstacles, making it suitable for a wide range of skill levels.

Pros

Cooperative Gameplay: Encourages teamwork and collaboration.

Adjustable Difficulty: Allows players to increase the challenge by adding obstacles.

High-Quality Components: Engaging and durable pieces.

Simple to Learn: Easy gameplay that is quick to pick up.

Engaging Theme: Appeals to dinosaur lovers and promotes imaginative role-playing.

Cons

Luck Element: The random draw of tiles can sometimes lead to quick loss of eggs or dinosaurs, which may be disappointing.

Age Limitation: While suitable for children as young as 6, younger children might find the game too complex or require significant guidance.

Personal Thoughts on SOS Dino

SOS Dino is an excellent choice for families with children aged 6 and above who are fond of dinosaurs. The game’s cooperative nature makes it an ideal way to spend family game nights, promoting teamwork and strategic thinking. The adjustable difficulty ensures that the game remains challenging but not overwhelming, making it a great option for families looking to progress in their board game journey. For younger children, it can also serve as a fun playset, encouraging imaginative play with the dinosaur figurines and landscape pieces.

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