Dominant Species: Marine
- Designer Chad Jensen
- Publisher GMT Games , Banana Games , Board Game Rookie , Fox in the Box , GaGa Games
- Illustration Chad Jensen , Chechu Nieto
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players take on the role of one of four aquatic animal classes—reptiles, fish, cephalopods, or crustaceans—competing for dominance in a shifting prehistoric ocean. Through strategic action pawn placement, you specialize, migrate, and adapt your species on an expanding hex grid with hydrothermal vents. Claim various habitats and powerful cards to earn victory points and become the dominant species before the game ends.
Who Is This Game For?
This game targets experienced gamers aged 14 and up who enjoy complex strategy with longer playtimes. With about 150 minutes per session, it demands patience and planning skills. Beginners should ideally have prior experience with Area Majority or similar mechanisms due to the game's complexity.
How It Works
Dominant Species: Marine uses Area Majority / Influence and Tile Placement on a Hexagon Grid that grows via Map Addition during play. Players place action pawns to perform speciation, environmental change, migration, and evolution. Open Drafting lets you select cards granting diverse effects. Grid Movement governs species’ positioning on the board, creating a dynamic ecological system.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Chad Jensen, this standalone game in the Dominant Species series focuses on prehistoric marine life. It was nominated in 2021 for the Cardboard Republic Striker Award and Golden Geek Heavy Game of the Year. Its unique blend of Area Majority, Grid Movement, and Open Drafting distinguishes it within environmental and animal-themed strategy games.
Awards
2021
- 2024 Gra Roku Expert Game of the Year — Nominated
- 2021 Cardboard Republic Striker Award — Nominated
Pro
- Deep strategy with Area Majority and Tile Placement
- Dynamic game board through Map Addition and Hexagon Grid
- Four distinct animal classes with unique playstyles
- Nominated for Cardboard Republic Striker Award and Golden Geek Heavy Game of the Year 2021
Contra
- Long playtime of about 150 minutes requires patience
- Complex rules and mechanics, not beginner-friendly
- Minimum age 14+, not suitable for younger children
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game portrays the end of a major ice age millions of years ago, with global warming altering ecosystems and driving competition among marine species in a prehistoric ocean. Players experience a biological simulation of adaptation and survival.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Take time to understand Area Majority and Tile Placement mechanics, focusing on learning the core actions first.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Dominant Species: Marine is designed for 2 to 4 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 150 minutes, making it an extended play session.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with more complex strategy games and mechanics like Area Majority and Tile Placement is recommended.
How does this compare to similar games?
Dominant Species: Marine combines Area Majority with Grid Movement and Open Drafting in a prehistoric marine setting, distinguishing it from other animal strategy games.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and minimum age of 14, it is better suited for experienced players than families with young children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The mix of Area Majority, Tile Placement, and Open Drafting on a dynamically expanding Hexagon Grid sets this game apart.
Fazit
Dominant Species: Marine is recommended for fans of complex strategy games with environmental themes who appreciate long, challenging sessions. It is less suited for casual players.
