Tiny Epic Dinosaurs

Any game from the Tiny Epic Series is an easy recommendation for those who, like myself, appreciate a lot of game in a little box. But, Tiny Epic Dinosaurs is officially top of the list, somehow pushing my beloved Tiny Epic Defenders (fantasy co-operative tower-defence) out of the lead. First of all, the theme goes a long way if you have even the smallest interest in Jurassic Park. It astounds me how thematically strong this game is. Breeding your dinosaurs starts calm and controlled, building the necessary fencing to keep everything contained, but soon spirals into a greedy frenzy, and in the chaos you will quietly ask yourself, "...Did I bite off more than I can chew?"

Your adorable dinos require careful management because the unfed will escape and create havoc, with herbivores breaking down fences and carnivores eating other dinosaurs. The tension is terrifically paced because in the end it always comes down to you, your own mistakes, and the constant lure of those high paying goal cards requesting specific sets of dinosaurs, tempting you with the possibility of victory. Also, gameplay aside, the components are just so dang cute. I adore the dino meeples and the extra detail that went into the special, rarer dinosaurs. There is just so much to love here. It can even be a mind changer for folks who generally don’t enjoy worker placement or having to plan ahead! I'm a big, big fan.