Dinosaurs of the Lost World: A Review

This game was published by Avalon Hill in 1987 as a “family game”. Contrary to what is expected today from games that receive a similar billing, the rulebook for this DotLW is a pretty dense (8 pages of text with only a few pictures to break it up) and has the traditional AH model of subsections – like 8.5: Battle Strength.

To preface the review, I have to say that this game is great. The game itself is based on the concept that each player represents an expedition that has to explore the Lost World, and in the process, gain valuable information and evidence (represented by VPs) about the Dinosaurs which inhabit the land. To win the game, you have to be the first expedition to escape the island with 25 VPs (or escape with 25 VPs within 40 turns if you are playing the solo version). On a whole, this game is one of the best exploration games I have ever played – the game is thematic enough that it actually feels like you are exploring a jungle island, passing one of my tests for “great” games in being how well it captures the imagination. Beyond evoking the feeling of exploration, the game also succeeds in weaving a story that chronicles the adventures of your expedition party.