PnP Review: Dreamscape Kingdoms

1-4 players

Designer: Kamil Sklorz

Artist: DicePen Studios

Publisher: DiceTiki

Besides the gorgeous map, I was attracted to Dreamscape Kingdoms for a good area majority one page game with good solo support. Does it deliver or does it become a nightmare?

Gameplay

On each turn, a player rolls dice equal to the number of players plus one, than each one drafts one to place. The dice indicates either the column or row to place their minions and the player decides from their available groups which value to write on the chosen spot. Then the player spreads to the same number of adjacent spots. Then the first player passes to the right and another turn begins. When players place all their 8 groups, game is over.

Scoring is about majority counting the number in each section plus one for each marked area adjacent. Players count majorities on each row, column, area, and terrain type.

Solo Gameplay

The automated player, called nightmare machine, can be included in any count but 4, with one being mandatory for 2 players and 2 for solo.

The machines act after the players, but can have multiple turns in a row. You roll two dice for roll and column, then two more for starting position and subsequent spread, and the machines always place 3 strength groups, which makes things easier. The scoring works mostly the same, but your trying to get a certain amount of points more than the highest scoring machine.

Components

My printer will need to forgive me, but I had to print this full color. The style of the sheet is gorgeous, and iconography is clear and the layout is well done. It is very colorful and ink consuming, but that is forgivable S it is one sheet for all players.

There are multiple additional maps that offer variety not only on layout, but add in more aspects, like new scoring conditions, goals and such.

Conclusion

There are two aspects of this game that really elevate it from a simple area majority to something great. First is the variable power placement. It adds a lot of thought on each individual placement and how it will interact with each scoring opportunity. Second is the spread. Not only it keeps the game quicker by filling up more map, but also allows tactic reaches and blocks.

In addition, the solo mode is well thought. It feels alive and competitive, and the point adjustment helps bridge the needed gap.

Overall, it’s a great package. It’s a well thought well balanced endeavor that offers a ton of interesting decision space.

Score: 8.5/10