Dungeon Petz

Dungeon Petz is a quirky and engaging board game that throws you headfirst into the chaotic world of breeding and selling monster pets for Dungeon Lords. It's not your typical cuddly pet experience; these creatures are magical, mischievous, and prone to unexpected mishaps like getting sick or, well, pooping. The art style is absolutely adorable, with colorful and whimsical illustrations that belie the game's surprising depth.

The core gameplay involves worker placement, where you strategically maneuver your imps to care for your petz and prepare them for sale. There's a constant tension between managing their needs (represented by cards), aiming for optimal sales, and participating in contests to earn extra points. It's a lot to juggle, and the worker placement mechanic adds a layer of strategic complexity that I found really rewarding.

The game can be a bit fiddly, especially with keeping track of all the petz and their needs. It's not a game for beginners, as it takes a while to wrap your head around all the rules and nuances. But once you get the hang of it, the strategic possibilities are really fascinating.

While I wouldn't recommend it for casual gamers, Dungeon Petz is a real treat for those who enjoy Euro-style games with a unique twist. It's a game I'm sure I'll be coming back to for years to come, despite its slightly steep learning curve.