Dinosaur Island

1-4

Players

120

Minutes

Age

2017

Published

Designer Jonathan Gilmour-Long , Brian Lewis
Publisher Pandasaurus Games , Angry Lion Games , Arclight Games , asmodee , Devir
Illustration Kwanchai Moriya , Anthony Wocken

Track your results with Playnexi

Add this game to your collection and track sessions, scores, and statistics.

Start for free

What to Expect

In Dinosaur Island, players collect DNA, research extinct dinosaur species, and combine DNA sequences to bring dinosaurs back to life. You build attractions and add dinosaurs to attract visitors, competing for victory points. Two plot-twist cards dealt at the start change the rules and greatly impact strategy. The game ends when only one objective card remains, and the player with the most points wins.

Who Is This Game For?

This game targets experienced gamers and families with some experience, ages 8 and up. Its approx. 120-minute duration suits an extended game night. The mix of worker placement, dice rolling, and strategy requires patience and tactical thinking. A solo mode is included.

How It Works

Dinosaur Island uses worker placement where you assign workers to take actions. You collect DNA through dice rolling and combine sets to create dinosaurs. Income and tile placement help expand your park and attract visitors. Plot-twist cards modify game rules, forcing flexible strategies.

Action Points Dice Rolling Income Set Collection Tile Placement Worker Placement

What Makes It Special

Designed by Jonathan Gilmour-Long and Brian Lewis, Dinosaur Island was nominated for multiple 2017 Golden Geek Awards, including Best Thematic and Best Strategy Board Game. Its blend of worker placement, DNA research, and changing plot twists makes it unique. It belongs to the Dinosaur Island/Dinosaur World family.

Awards

Nominated
2017

2017 Board Game Quest Awards Best Production Values — Nominated
2017 Board Game Quest Awards Best Thematic Game — Nominated

Pro

Variable gameplay via plot-twist cards
Combination of worker placement and dice rolling
Includes solo mode
Strong dinosaur park thematic

Contra

Relatively long playtime (~120 minutes)
Complexity better suited for experienced players
Requires patience and strategic thinking

Setting & Atmosphäre

The game is set in a futuristic dinosaur theme park management world where science and business combine. Players build parks with attractions and recreate prehistoric creatures.

Tipp für Einsteiger

Focus first on basic actions and build your strategy around the plot-twist cards.

Häufige Fragen

Can I play this solo?

Yes, Dinosaur Island includes a solo mode for one player.

How long does a game really take?

Game time is approximately 120 minutes; allow time for setup as well.

What prior experience do I need?

This is a gamer-level game requiring tactical understanding and experience with worker placement.

How does this compare to similar games?

Dinosaur Island combines worker placement with dice rolling and variable plot-twist rules, making it unique.

Is this suitable for families?

Suitable for ages 8+ with some gaming experience; complexity is higher than simple family games.

What mechanic makes it special?

The combination of worker placement, dice rolling, and variable plot-twist cards defines the game.

Fazit

Dinosaur Island is recommended for players who enjoy complex worker placement games with thematic focus and variable rules. Beginners may find the length and mechanics challenging.