Dominant Species: Marine

Sixty-Something Million Years Ago: A monumental ice age has given way to a new, warmer era, igniting an epic struggle among diverse animal species vying for dominance. Welcome to Dominant Species: Marine, a captivating board game that immerses players in a fragmented slice of ancient history, as life evolves amidst the globe’s shifting climate.

In this intriguing game, participants will take on the roles of four powerful aquatic classes: reptiles, fish, cephalopods, or crustaceans. Initially, these species coexist in a delicate equilibrium, but as the game unfolds, the battle for survival intensifies. It truly is a case of “survival of the fittest.”

Using clever action pawn placement, you’ll strive to flourish in various habitats, unlocking potent card effects along the way. Propagating your species is key to racking up victory points, and you’ll leverage actions such as speciation, migration, and adaptation to support your quest.

The climax of the game arrives with the final emergence of a vast tropical ocean and its enticing shorelines. The player who has amassed the most victory points will have their species crowned the Dominant Species. But watch out—an asteroid is on a collision course, and swift action is essential!

Gameplay Highlights:

The game features large hexagonal tiles that create a continually expanding map of the ancient ocean, alongside smaller Hydrothermal Vent tiles that convert select areas into vibrant ecosystems. Each player’s strategy will revolve around the action pawns, which trigger essential actions such as speciation, environmental change, migration, and evolution as soon as they are placed on the action display.

Additionally, new “special” pawns available during the game offer augmented placement capabilities, pushing players to maximize their dominant strategies. While advancing their own species’ chances of survival, players must also look for opportunities to hinder their opponents—collecting valuable victory points in the process.

As the game flows, species cubes and element disks will dynamically interact with the tiles, adding an extra layer of depth to your approach. When the final round concludes, players will score each tile and tally points from their special pawns, with the highest-scoring player claiming victory.

For Veterans of Dominant Species:

This updated version brings several exciting enhancements to the original gameplay:

• Immediate Actions: Actions are executed as soon as a pawn is placed, offering greater flexibility and reducing the mental load on players.
• Element Domination: Domination is calculated across the entire board for each element type, simplifying strategies and diversifying gameplay.
• Trait Cards: Players receive three Trait cards during setup, selecting one to grant their species a unique ability, adding a fresh strategic element.
• Special Pawns: These flexible pawns allow players to maneuver around obstacles and unlock exclusive action spaces, culminating in additional victory points at game’s end.

Embark on a historical journey where only the most cunning will thrive! Will your aquatic species rise to the occasion and become the ultimate champion of the ancient seas?