Back in 2022, a video game called Dorfromantik gained popularity for its unique concept of creating a landscape of forests and fields. It was often compared to a board game due to its mechanics. Now, a tabletop version of the game has been released and it has won the prestigious Spiel des Jahres award.
What’s in the Box
The Dorfromantik: The Board Game box contains several smaller boxes that are meant to be opened gradually as part of a campaign. The main box itself includes hexagonal tiles decorated in a charming art style, counters for each landscape type, score sheets, and campaign sheets. The additional sealed boxes in the component tray add to the curiosity and excitement of discovering new elements.
Rules and Gameplay
Dorfromantik is a cooperative board game where players work together to build a landscape. On each turn, a player draws a tile with various terrain elements and adds it to their growing landscape. Rivers and railways must be placed contiguously, but other terrain elements can be placed freely. Task tiles are also drawn, and players must expand the corresponding terrain type to the number on the counter to score points and draw a new task. Flags on certain tiles earn additional points when a terrain type is closed off. The game ends when all tiles are placed, and the final score is calculated.
Despite its simplicity, Dorfromantik offers subtle strategic decision-making. There are multiple ways to improve your score, and as you play more games, you’ll discover new strategies. The openness of the landscape and the variety of options make it challenging to determine the best move in each situation. However, the game remains enjoyable and rewarding as your skill grows with each attempt.
Comparison to the Video Game
The tabletop version of Dorfromantik closely mirrors the gameplay elements of the original video game. However, there is a significant difference in scoring. In the video game, scoring tasks provides extra tiles to extend the game and increase your score. In the tabletop version, players use a fixed pool of tiles throughout the game, making it more manageable and satisfying to strategize.
Conclusion
Dorfromantik: The Board Game is a highly addictive and satisfying experience. The gradual reveal of new elements through the campaign, the increasing strategic possibilities, and the sense of mastery over time make it a game worth playing over and over again. If you’re looking to experience the charm of Dorfromantik in a new way, consider getting the tabletop version.