Dinosaur Island

Dinosaur Island

2017
Strategy
4.39 out of 5
462+ people loved this game
Mechanics
Worker Placement
Complexity
Medium
Duration
90 - 120 minutes
Number of players
1 - 4 players
Minimum age
8+ years

Dinosaur Island review

Dinosaur Island is a game that throws you into the wild world of dinosaur theme park management. The goal? Build the most thrilling and profitable park, attracting visitors with a dazzling array of prehistoric creatures. The game is a wonderfully chaotic blend of worker placement, resource management, and a healthy dose of Jurassic Park-inspired thrills.

The gameplay is deceptively simple, with a focus on collecting DNA, researching species, and crafting your dream park. There's a brilliant twist, though, that adds an exciting element of risk: your dinosaurs could escape and wreak havoc on your guests! This delicate balance of excitement and security makes for some nail-biting moments and strategic decisions.

I particularly enjoy the game's focus on worker placement, which feels fresh and innovative. Using two types of workers (scientists and basic workers) across four distinct action boards adds depth and strategic complexity. The game also offers a good amount of replayability thanks to its adjustable game length and the presence of objective cards.

Of course, no game is perfect. One of the most common complaints I've seen is the somewhat overwhelming number of components and rules. The game requires a decent amount of table space, and it might not be ideal for those who prefer lighter, more casual games. But if you enjoy strategic games with a fun theme and a unique gameplay experience, Dinosaur Island is definitely worth checking out. It's a fantastic game for those who want to embrace their inner Jurassic Park enthusiast.