The same story of the game Dungeon Petz, and we will put in situation so that we leave finding that this time everything will be somewhat different.
To mark the closing of dungeons and the same alienated of imps makers exploit its clock resources, small minds are operated and some of them have bright business ideas. In this case, the magnificent idea is to mount a pet store, to sell to the lords of the dungeons. An innovative, original and anyone else in the city it has happened, except for the 3 other pet stores that have opened idea.
The damage is done and the monopoly has lost just the start of the business. Now the only thing left to do is to try to impose other stores, making your pets are happier, better nourished and more awards at exhibitions, plus the most valued by customers.
With this original approach, the game could not be less.
Not easy to classify, is board because you have them. It is of cards, because the have and is … pets because you have them.
From 2-4 players, as best pet store in town will be played. This is achieved by building a store more attractive than the others, for the quality of their cages and improvements, their artifacts, the number of pets, health, mood and health of these and winnings from exhibitions, to name only some options.
One thing that is mandatory to mention is the good presentation and appearance of the game. The artwork on the cover, manual and components, are very very detailed. They are colorful, elaborate, original and sympathetic. In fact, the author, Vlaada Chvátil says that when he was developing the game, already had in mind that his illustrator would Cochard, which was a success.
In addition to the illustrations, the game brings a lot of parts and very good quality. Special pets, that are connected in a system that allows the turning mediated going to evolve, showing ahead mascot itself and behind an egg, which are supposed to be before leaving the game references.
In summary, a large quantity and quality of components. Go preparing seat at the table.
The rules are fun to read, well explained and with good examples, but are not easy. Without reaching a complexity that makes it inaccessible, it is true that the game will require a good read and a couple of games to get his mechanical looseness.
Certainly worth investing the time, because once you learn, play is amazing. But, it’s not a game that we can play well anything else premiere and is not suitable for removing at a meeting of friends who do not know, which is typical of getting a game is done, explain over and go play on the underway. You will enjoy much of it, but first you’ll have to spend some time to learn.
Thinking that some players could see overwhelmed by the number of concepts have been added to screens player, a summary of the phases per round, types of cards in the game, consequences of not covering well the needs, etc.
Finally as to the rules, commenting that although the game is initially thought to 4 players, is perfectly suited for 2 or 3 players, by including a different and distinct exceptions board.
In mechanics, although the game has nothing to do, might remember a little Caylus or Age of Empires 3, in the sense that the board is divided into zones, which allow us to do different actions in our turn. These things, like buying pets, food or artifacts may do if we put our peons (in this case imp) in the appropriate boxes. Players will have access to them according to whether or not occupied by rival imps and priority for each player to place, will be according to their number has been previously assigned to each group.
In this way the players take turns in performing actions that make up each of the 5 or 6 rounds that make up the consignment, as the number of players.
Once we begin to buy pets, we will be giving us aware of the great responsibility involved in their maintenance. Each will have a range of needs, which we will have to cover and that will grow as the pet gets older. These needs are grouped in color and have to irlas satisfying as the cards we assign to each animal in our turn. These cards can be hunger, magic, anger or romp and according to the assignments, we have to feed them, keep mutate, retain them in their cages, entertain them, etc. Being unable to meet the assigned requirements, will have consequences of all kinds, such as having to go hungry, sick, sadden, mute, soiling, etc. Totally what Tamagotchi.
These negative effects on pets also have their impact at the time of exhibiting and / or sell them, since no (or almost no) will be interested in an animal knackered.
During rounds, they will uncovering exhibitions and customers that we only positively valued aspects of your pets, but what penalize not like.
In this sense, the game is very carefully worked, since the types of display and customers really stuck with the type of pet you want. An example of display, could be “Battlefield”, in which pets will be valued more letters fury assigned and client example would be the “girl of the dungeon” which assessed over an animal with which play and to feed, which is very consistent with his personality, factors that give strategic depth to the game.
These exhibits and sales which will be allowing players accumulate points during the game. But one can not relax even has an advantage, because in the end, there will be a double exhibition in which other aspects are measured and could turn around the net.
Conclusion
Dungeon Petz is a highly recommended game. It is not too suitable for casual gamers who want something quick and not want to eat the coconut, but it will be a joy for those who enjoy a working, strategic and fun game, even during the learning phase.
During the hour and a half which usually lasts a game, you’re totally into the game, thinking where to throw, because there will always be enough variables to choose from and you have to make decisions.
In that sense, it is a very strategic game, although sometimes the pets come with unexpected needs and you have to get by improvising or even change your plans. This unpredictability is given by a fair dose of chance in making cards.
As if this were not enough, there will be more items like potions, manure, henchmen, artifacts, etc., that will give great depth to the game.
Yea affection is designed title from its setting up his mechanics, through its visual appearance and quality of components, which amply justify its PVP (about 45 euros), compared to other titles of similar category shows.
For my taste, it is a display of humor and originality that well worth having in our collection.
Curiosities and tips
– It is vital, providing the description of the Cthulie pet:
The devils tried to invoke once a “Terrible Nightmare Primordial Chaos”. Just once. Then came Cthulie: jumping, giving licking and doing their needs in a corner of the staff. Imps realized they already had enough chaos.
– For those who want to downplay the chance, at the time of draw cards, they have included a series of double letters, which allow many more possibilities. It greatly reduces the frustration of them touch unfavorable letters and can not do anything. A success.
– In the rules, for the explanation of pets for sale to customers based on their affinity with them, a kind of exercise in mathematical problem arises plan to see if you have understood the explanation. This has led me very curious and very useful. In addition the solution is just below, but the reverse. It is a nice touch.
– Initial joke: starts the player who most recently fed to your pet. My cat Doc, want to formally thank the Chvátil the inclusion of this rule, as it is fed on time just before each game.
It is a good game, funny, mechanical of workplacement. It is a puzzle where you will have to prepare to sell your pet best customers as they arrive.
The mechanics are very well integrated into the theme of the game, good compenentes and a very good price. For 40 quite plastic, cardboard, letters …
With the operating rules may be one of the most original, fun and better explained.
The only “catch” I put him is that the brain burns you, this is a medium game, not a carcassonne. You have to be taking tough decisions, in fact the game is designed so you can not always do felicies your animals.
| Features | |
| Game Type | Fantasy and Humor |
| Recommended Age | +12 years |
| Language | English |
| Players | 2 – 4 Players |
| Game Time | 90 minutes |
| Difficulty | High |
| Boardgamegeek | www.boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/97207/ |