Board Game Review

Kingdomino cover

Kingdomino

Released: 2016

Created by: Bruno Cathala


I'm excited to share my thoughts on a charming and engaging game that has captured the hearts of players young and old: Kingdomino. Designed by Bruno Cathala and published by Blue Orange Games, this tile-laying game invites players to build their own unique kingdoms by strategically placing land tiles and claiming valuable territories.

Components

Kingdomino comes in a compact box, containing 48 domino-shaped land tiles, 8 wooden king meeples, 4 starting tiles, 4 3D castles, and a rulebook. The components are of excellent quality, with thick, durable tiles that feature vibrant and colorful artwork. The wooden king meeples and 3D castles add a tactile and visually appealing element to the game.

Gameplay

Kingdomino is a tile-laying, kingdom-building game for 2-4 players. The game is played over several rounds, with players selecting land tiles from a shared pool and adding them to their kingdom. The tiles depict various types of terrain, such as forests, lakes, and grasslands, as well as buildings that generate valuable crowns.

Players must strategically place tiles in their kingdom to create contiguous areas of the same terrain type, maximizing their point-scoring potential. The number of crowns in an area is multiplied by the number of connected tiles, determining the player's final score. Tile selection order is determined by the value of the previously chosen tile, forcing players to carefully balance their choices between acquiring valuable tiles and maintaining a favorable turn order.

Playing Time and Replayability

A game of Kingdomino typically takes around 15-20 minutes, making it an accessible and enjoyable choice for quick gaming sessions or as a filler game between heavier titles. The game offers high replayability due to the unique combination of tiles in each playthrough, encouraging players to adapt their strategies and explore new approaches to building their kingdoms.

Conclusion

Kingdomino is a delightful and engaging game that provides a satisfying blend of strategy, decision-making, and competition. Its accessible mechanics and high replayability make it a fantastic addition to any board game collection, appealing to both casual gamers and experienced strategists. Step into the role of a wise ruler and forge your path to victory by constructing a thriving and prosperous kingdom that will stand the test of time.


Did you enjoy my review of this board game? Check out one of my favorite game reviews below or see a list of my reviews!

More importantly, I'm always looking for new games to play. Let me know what you're currently playing!


My Favorites

Read why these games are my all-time favorites!

Betrayal at House on the Hill

Exploration

Gloomhaven

Tactical Skirmish

Dominion

Deck-Builder

For more of my favorite board games, check out my most up-to-date list!