Board Game Review

Dominion cover

Dominion

Released: 2008

Created by: Donald X. Vaccarino


I'm excited to share my thoughts on a revolutionary game that has had a lasting impact on the tabletop world: Dominion. Designed by Donald X. Vaccarino and published by Rio Grande Games, this innovative deck-building game invites players to construct their own unique decks by strategically acquiring and managing cards, all in pursuit of amassing the most victory points.

Components

Dominion comes in a sturdy box, containing 500 cards, 8 sets of different Treasure cards, 7 sets of Victory cards, 10 sets of Curse cards, 25 unique Kingdom cards, and a rulebook. The cards are of good quality, with a smooth finish that makes shuffling and handling easy. The artwork on the cards is clear and functional, featuring illustrations that match the game's medieval theme.

Gameplay

Dominion is a deck-building game for 2-4 players, with each player starting with a basic deck of 10 cards (7 Copper Treasure cards and 3 Estate Victory cards). The game is played over several rounds, with players drawing cards from their deck, playing Action and Treasure cards, and using their resources to acquire new cards from the shared supply.

The game offers a vast variety of Kingdom cards, each providing unique abilities and strategic options. Players must carefully select and manage their cards to create powerful card combinations and generate resources, all while balancing their acquisition of Victory cards to accumulate points. The game ends when the Province Victory card pile is depleted or when three supply piles are empty, and the player with the most victory points is declared the winner.

Playing Time and Replayability

A game of Dominion typically takes around 30-45 minutes, making it an accessible and enjoyable choice for those looking for a moderately-paced gaming experience. The game offers immense replayability due to the unique combination of Kingdom cards in each playthrough, allowing for nearly endless variety and encouraging players to adapt their strategies and explore new approaches to deck-building.

Conclusion

Dominion is a groundbreaking and engaging game that provides a satisfying blend of strategy, decision-making, and competition. Its innovative mechanics, immense variety, and high replayability make it a must-have addition to any board game collection, appealing to both casual gamers and experienced strategists. Embark on a journey to expand your dominion and outwit your opponents, carefully crafting a deck that will lead you to victory and secure your place in history.


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!

7 Wonders

Card

Betrayal at House on the Hill

Exploration

Gloomhaven

Tactical Skirmish

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