The Dinosaur Game: Survival or Extinction (1995) Board Game

The Dinosaur Game: Survival or Extinction was released in 1995 by Latz Chance Games. It is a children’s game that combines educational elements with prehistoric themes. The game focuses on the concept of survival of the fittest in a world filled with dinosaurs, where players must navigate through challenges to ensure their species survives.

Game Components of The Dinosaur Game: Survival or Extinction

Game board

Player tokens representing different dinosaurs

Dino die (a custom dice)

Attribute cards for each dinosaur

Disaster and event cards

Food tokens

Attack tokens

How To Setup The Dinosaur Game: Survival or Extinction

To set up the game, players first choose their dinosaur tokens and place them on the starting point on the board. Each player receives attribute cards specific to their chosen dinosaur. The disaster and event cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Food and attack tokens are also distributed according to the game’s rules. The objective is to ensure each player understands their dinosaur’s attributes and the rules for navigating the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Travel Through Prehistory: Players move through different eras, trying to survive with their dinosaur.

Attribute Cards: Each dinosaur has unique attributes that influence gameplay.

Natural Disasters: Players must overcome natural disasters and events.

Famine and Attacks: Manage food tokens to avoid famine and fend off attacks from other dinosaurs.

Objective: The goal is to be the last dinosaur standing or reach the end of the prehistoric era.

Player Experience

The game offers a fun and educational experience, especially for children. It combines strategy with luck, as players need to manage their dinosaur’s attributes while dealing with random events. The game has two play versions, making it flexible for different ages and skill levels.

Pros

Educational Value: Teaches about different dinosaurs and prehistoric eras.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 5 and up.

Versatile Gameplay: Two play versions to cater to different ages and skill levels.

Interactive Elements: Includes dice rolls, attribute cards, and event cards for varied gameplay.

Cons

Simplicity: The game may be too simple for older children or adults.

Luck Over Strategy: The game relies heavily on dice rolls and random events.

Personal Thoughts on The Dinosaur Game: Survival or Extinction

This game is perfect for families with younger children who are fascinated by dinosaurs. It provides an engaging way to learn about prehistory while enjoying a fun board game experience. However, it may not offer the complexity or depth that older kids or adults might be looking for. Overall, it’s a great introductory game for young players.

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