Dinogenics

The Game

You only need one sentence to describe the game Dinogenics. This is Jurassic Park: The Board Game. 

In terms of game mechanism, this is a worker placement game. You have several workers, and you take turns placing workers on the central game board to perform various actions. Slots are limited, and they are first-come-first-served. Things you get to do include collecting DNA samples, using them to hatch dinosaurs, building fences to make dinosaur pens, and building hotels for visitors. Everyone manages his own little island (i.e. your player board). You build your own theme park, and the more visitors you attract, the more money you'll earn. 

This is the player board. The red meeples are the visitors. Different dinosaur species have different reputation levels. Other aspects of your park can also increase your reputation. The park with higher reputation attracts more visitors. However you also need to make sure you have enough hotel rooms for your visitors. 

This is the T-rex which everyone loves. You need to collect three DNA samples (i.e. cards) to make one. This is indicated by that number at the top right corner. You can buy and sell DNA samples. The T-rex is carnivorous. You need to feed it two goats every round. If you can't, it rampages, destroying fences and buildings, and it may even eat your visitors. Yes, just like in the movie. If visitors get eaten, you will get bad press, and if such scandals are not neutralised by game end, they cost you many points. 

Only when writing this blog post I noticed that the T-rex needs a pen of at least size 3. If it doesn't get enough space, it throws a tantrum. No wonder Tommy (the T-rex I got myself near game end) was so upset. He ate a visitor! When I hatched Tommy I knew there was an upcoming event which would drive him mad. It was mating season and dinosaurs with no mate would become grumpy. However I did not understand why he lost his temper twice. I played on BoardGameArena.com and the system handled the rampaging. Now I realise the second time was due to space. I should not have played with a T-rex. The T stands for trouble! 

Event cards are revealed one round early, so that you have some time to prepare for them. This particular event above makes you lose goats. 

The Play

The game is easy to understand, because everything is designed based on the setting. Everything makes sense. The worker placement mechanism is pretty standard fare, nothing unusual or innovative, but it is practical and it works. You will fight over some spots, and you will need to make compromises. You have to make tough calls like which actions to forgo, knowing your opponents are eyeing those actions. Overall I feel the options are aplenty. You'll generally get to do the most important things you need to do. You don't interfere with your opponents much, but there are some card plays which affect them. The biggest joy in the game is making dinosaurs and running your own dinosaur zoo. 

My dinosaur park was pretty well run. It was in the final round that I slipped and fell pretty badly. I had been breeding herbivores throughout the game, so I didn't need to worry about a supply of goats. Just before the game ended, I decided I should get a T-rex too because Han next door had one. Hey it's a T-rex! It's good reputation. Unfortunately, Tommy wasn't a good boy. He broke the fences (see above), stomped my hotel, and ate my guest. What a scandal! I guess I was true to the original movie. 

Han's park was more peaceful. 

The Thoughts

Although this is a mid-weight strategy game, I would say it is a good gateway game to introduce new players to the hobby, because the theme is attractive and easy to understand. It is fun to run your own dinosaur zoo. In terms of game mechanisms, there is nothing ground-breaking for seasoned gamers, but the game works and it is a pleasure to play. It is immersive and satisfying. Maybe I'm secretly pleased that Tommy ate that annoying Karen of a visitor.