Dinosaur Island
- Players
- 1-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 3 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 120 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 8+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 3.0 / 5
- Year
- 2017
About the game
Dinosaur Island lets you play mad scientist and theme park mogul at once, splicing DNA to bring dinosaurs back to life and building the attractions to house them safely (or not so safely). Every game is shaken up by random Plot-Twist cards that bend the rules in new directions each time you play. Balancing park safety, guest capacity, and dinosaur research makes for a tense worker-placement puzzle. It's Jurassic Park fantasy fulfillment wrapped in a meaty euro game.
Hobbli's Notes
Dinosaur Island nails its theme: there's real joy in engineering your own T. rex enclosure and hoping the fences hold. The Plot-Twist cards keep even experienced players on their toes, though the game asks for a decent length session and can bog down with a full table.
What we like
- Strong theme integration between dinosaur genetics and park building.
- Plot-Twist cards keep every game fresh and unpredictable.
- Satisfying worker-placement engine with meaningful upgrade paths.
- Great production value with detailed dinosaur miniatures.
Keep in mind
- Rules and icons take time to fully absorb for new players.
- Can run long, especially at higher player counts.
- Some downtime while others plan complex turns.
Who it's for
Suited to ages 12+ worker-placement fans and dinosaur enthusiasts; plays best with 3-4 players over about two hours.
