Dominion

Many reviews have already been written about Dominion, so in this review I will only concentrate on a few points which could be of interest to people who still can’t decide whether this game is worth the hype.

What is the replay value of Dominion?

The game consists of 25 action cards, where for each game 10 different set of cards is drawn. This means that each game will probably be quite different. To be honest with you, in my opinion quite different is too subtle of a description. Depending on the cards chosen, a card that seemed to us as a must in a previous game suddenly becomes less useful or sometimes even useless. This forces the player to analyze not only how each card works but also how it works when used with other cards. How can you get bored with a game that is nearly always different?
After presenting the next points you will come to realize that there are other factors that make every game a whole new experience.

Does this game play well with 2, 3 or 4 players?

Dominion plays well with 2, 3 and 4 players. What has to be mentioned is that the strategic aspect completely changes with a different number of players. Strategies used in a 4 player game will surely not help you win with an experienced 2 player gamer and opposite wise. Two player games not only have less VP’s but also take more time to buy the whole set of a card type, whilst in a 4 player game you won’t even realize when the game is finished. Be prepared .

Is this game any similar to Race for the Galaxy?

It is a card game where combo’s are relevant so we have got a similarity. What I think though, is that this game has less of a luck factor, though I may be mistaken (sorry RftG fans ). Another difference which seems relevant is that sometimes RftG seems like a solitaire, whilst Dominion does include interaction. Sometimes the interaction is not as direct as in other games, but sometimes it obviously is. There are a bunch of quite aggressive action cards. On the other hand interaction also involves “forcing” the player to enhance his strategy due to what the other players are doing. You control the game and you control when it will end, at least to some extent. Neither I nor any of the players I have played Dominion with, never felt that it was a solitaire played with more players. Everyone feels the competition and everyone would always try to hurt you if they could (though sometimes its not worth it as it can take away an action which you would like to use).

Would the wife like to play it?

My wife really loves this game. Even when there are aggressive cards which can hurt her strategy she can still build her deck and enjoy building her dominion. So even though this game could be a brain burner, it can also be treated as a light very fun game to play.

Will I like to play it often?

It plays good with different numbers of players.
Each game is a whole new experience.
Each game should not take more that 40 minutes.
It does not take long to set up.

OBVIOSLY YES!!!

Is the Hype justified?

OBVIOSLY YES!!!


Now give me GG….....I want my Dominion badge!!!