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Tabletop Gaming, Models, and Minis => Other Games Around the Table => Topic started by: bayonetbrant on January 27, 2012, 09:57:19 PM

Title: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: bayonetbrant on January 27, 2012, 09:57:19 PM
OK folks...  if you're not playing Dominion, you're missing out!  It's got the deck-construction fun of a CCG, the city-building civ-flavor you'd want in something fun, and with discreet, themed sets, you can pick and choose what to play with and not break the bank.

There's also plenty of places to play digitally.

dominion.isotropic.org has all the different cards, a nice auto match feature for opponents, and a clean, fast interface, but looks like a late-80s BBS layout

boardgamearena.com doesn't have every set, but the ones they have include the licensed art from RGG.  The interface also feels like you're playing a board game than isotropic's does

Androminion is a remarkable Android adaptation of the game that lets you play against a selection of AIs.  The new v2.0 that just dropped is freakin' sweet.  It's got all the expansions through Hinterlands, has about 6 different AIs you can pick and choose, and some nice random card options.  Great for when you're stuck sitting in line at the DMV.

Who else is playing Dominion and what do y'all think?
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: LongBlade on January 28, 2012, 09:39:51 AM
I played it once and it was good.
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: bayonetbrant on January 28, 2012, 12:59:47 PM
lemme know when you want to get a game going on isotropic.  I need new butts to kick! ;D

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F_21aDjSjUbQo%2FTUnBTR2dOdI%2FAAAAAAAABDg%2F22gUmQyltp8%2Fs1600%2FBig%252BMoney.jpg&hash=a83458b20aec024df05226bf0a16b09da8eeb291)
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: MetalDog on January 29, 2012, 01:52:17 PM
Is this just a digital game?  It sounds like it's right in my wheelhouse.  I'm unusually strapped for cash at the moment, but as things free up later in the year, I'd like to look into it.
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: bayonetbrant on January 29, 2012, 01:58:35 PM
No, it's a tabletop card game. But there are free-to-play digital versions. Whenever you're ready, let me know and we'll set up a time to teach you.
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: TheCommandTent on January 30, 2012, 09:17:06 PM
I've played a couple times with friends and found it pretty fun.  Another game with lots of options that you would need to play enough to develop a strategy.  Im not sure how I would like playing the digital version as I like all the pretty cards :)
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: son_of_montfort on January 30, 2012, 11:15:11 PM
I have transcended Dominion as far as deck building games go.

The latest "hotness" in X-building games is Quarriors!, a dice-building game. The wife likes these types of games and she was fairly excited about Quarriors. It was quick to play (about 30 minutes or less), fairly exciting, full of about 150 dice, and just the right balance of random and strategy. It is the perfect "filler" game to play between two more involved games. Pic below:

The Game:
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcf.geekdo-images.com%2Fimages%2Fpic1022446_md.jpg&hash=6e0385db93734e50d2381d220bbaed3909ccdf9f)

A pile of dice!
(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcf.geekdo-images.com%2Fimages%2Fpic1023427_md.jpg&hash=97d9cad9e3aebb15b432328ba937377a1c560bd8)

I've also heard good things about the deck building games Nightfall and Rune Age. Both of them inject a bit more "war" and "conflict" into the genre, as Dominion is sorely lacking in player interaction besides the off Hag or Thief card.

If you haven't gotten Dominion: Seaside, I strongly suggest doing so. It adds some really good mechanics (like cards that persist for two turns and some more player interaction). Also pirates.

I've also heard good things about Thunderstone, which is a deck building, dungeon-crawl game. And there seems to be a Facebook version of that one.
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: spelk on January 31, 2012, 03:24:05 AM
If you like Dominion, but want a similar wargame themed game, don't forget to try A Few Acres of Snow (http://www.treefroggames.com/a-few-acres-of-snow-2) over at http://yucata.de (http://yucata.de). Free to play, deck buildining mechanic, outpost capturing boardgame, all centered around the French and Indian War.

I also noticed there was a free iOS version of Dominion out, with an official release coming soon.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dominion-by-donald-x.-vaccarino/id447395574?mt=8 (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dominion-by-donald-x.-vaccarino/id447395574?mt=8)
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: bayonetbrant on January 31, 2012, 06:45:59 AM
Quote from: spelk on January 31, 2012, 03:24:05 AM
If you like Dominion, but want a similar wargame themed game, don't forget to try A Few Acres of Snow (http://www.treefroggames.com/a-few-acres-of-snow-2) over at http://yucata.de (http://yucata.de). Free to play, deck buildining mechanic, outpost capturing boardgame, all centered around the French and Indian War.

I also noticed there was a free iOS version of Dominion out, with an official release coming soon.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dominion-by-donald-x.-vaccarino/id447395574?mt=8 (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dominion-by-donald-x.-vaccarino/id447395574?mt=8)

I keep wanting to try it, and I keep getting foiled for time given the house move we're in the middle of.

And for a free mobile version of the game, there's also Androminion for 'droids.  (I think I mentioned that above...)
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: bayonetbrant on January 31, 2012, 06:50:37 AM
Quote from: son_of_montfort on January 30, 2012, 11:15:11 PM
I have transcended Dominion as far as deck building games go.

The latest "hotness" in X-building games is Quarriors!, a dice-building game. The wife likes these types of games and she was fairly excited about Quarriors. It was quick to play (about 30 minutes or less), fairly exciting, full of about 150 dice, and just the right balance of random and strategy. It is the perfect "filler" game to play between two more involved games.

That looks like something I'd want a demo of before taking the plunge, but also looks like something my son might really get a kick out of.

Quote from: son_of_montfort on January 30, 2012, 11:15:11 PM
I've also heard good things about the deck building games Nightfall and Rune Age. Both of them inject a bit more "war" and "conflict" into the genre, as Dominion is sorely lacking in player interaction besides the off Hag or Thief card.

I have Rune Age but not yet taken the time to get it on the table and figure it out.  I need to do that some time.

Quote from: son_of_montfort on January 30, 2012, 11:15:11 PM
If you haven't gotten Dominion: Seaside, I strongly suggest doing so. It adds some really good mechanics (like cards that persist for two turns and some more player interaction). Also pirates.
that one.

Seaside is my favorite expansion, but the new Hinterlands is catching up quickly.  There are some nice new cards that alter the traditional flow of the game in interesting ways.  The "Tournament" card in Cornucopia is also a nice change to player interaction mechanisms.  Check out the text of the card, and the prizes, here: http://dominion.diehrstraits.com/?set=Cornucopia
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: son_of_montfort on January 31, 2012, 12:15:23 PM
QuoteThat looks like something I'd want a demo of before taking the plunge, but also looks like something my son might really get a kick out of.

The initial price is high for Quarriors. But I finally jumped in and did it and I am glad I did. We have only played twice (got it last week), but I can see it being a great "play while I set up a much larger game" type thing for my group. Your son will absolutely love it - kids love dice!
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: bayonetbrant on January 31, 2012, 12:33:22 PM
I'm on isotropic right now playing over my lunch break
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: republic on February 02, 2012, 06:59:49 PM
I really enjoy Dominion.  I haven't gotten to play it much, but it is one of the only 'geekier' boardgames I can get my non-wargamer friends to play.
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: bayonetbrant on February 02, 2012, 08:58:25 PM
Quote from: republic on February 02, 2012, 06:59:49 PM
I really enjoy Dominion.  I haven't gotten to play it much, but it is one of the only 'geekier' boardgames I can get my non-wargamer friends to play.

check out the online sites I mentioned above.  You'll get lots of chances to play!  :D
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: bayonetbrant on February 08, 2012, 12:18:13 PM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on January 31, 2012, 12:33:22 PM
I'm on isotropic right now playing over my lunch break

back on again - if anyone out there wants to join me!
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: bboyer66 on February 08, 2012, 12:39:13 PM
On Quarriors. Making some of your own house rules is a must. The game is supposed to end when you get to 20 points, but that leaves no time for actual deck(dice) building. I have found 30 points leads to a much better game with more strategy and options.
While I enjoy Quarriors, I find it not nearly as good as 7 wonders as far as strategy, ease of play, and fun go. Just a little to much luck involved for my liking.



Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: bayonetbrant on February 15, 2012, 12:54:23 PM
anyone up for lunchtime gaming online?
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: 0kult13 on February 16, 2012, 10:08:54 AM
Downloaded that Andriminion 2.0 , and its really good fun. thanks for the heads up on that. Got my ass kicked twice so far but have been swatting up on tactics and once i get a stratigy down will be trying online.
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: Bayonet_Chris on February 23, 2012, 10:05:17 AM
One of these days I'll be able to start playing again at lunch time, Brant. Although since I live so close to work, it's just as easy for me to go home and play some Xbox.  ;D
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: bayonetbrant on February 27, 2012, 12:12:05 PM
I'm on isotropic today if anyone wants some Dominion at lunch
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: Rekim on April 15, 2012, 02:19:59 AM
Search for 'Dominion' in the AppStore. It's free, which is amazing considering the high quality of the app. It even uses the original artwork from the tabletop version.
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 19, 2012, 10:53:03 AM
I'm on isotropic playing today, if anyone's interested :)
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: bayonetbrant on August 21, 2012, 01:07:14 PM
OK - a few notes on Androminion

They just released a v3 that totally jacks up the UI.  I had auto-updates set on mine, and I ended up w/ v3 before I knew what was going on.  I uninstalled and re-installed the last v2 build.  You can get the v2 build here: http://code.google.com/p/androminion/

This is the last major Androminion release, as Rio Grande asked them to stop supporting it while they get their own official version out.  If it's as good as the iOS version of Dominion, you'll be plenty happy with it.

In the meantime, make sure you're running a version of Androminion that agrees with you :)
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: bayonetbrant on August 24, 2012, 12:24:28 PM
w00t!  New Dominion (http://riograndegames.com/games.html?id=421) expansion!

QuoteTimes have been hard. To save on money, you've moved out of your old castle and into a luxurious ravine. You didn't like that castle anyway; it was always getting looted and never at a reasonable hour. And if it wasn't barbarians it was the plague, or sometimes both would come at once, and there wouldn't be enough chairs. The ravine is great; you get lots of sun, and you can just drop garbage wherever you want. In your free time you've taken up begging. Begging is brilliant conceptually, but tricky in practice since no one has any money. You beg twigs from the villagers, and they beg them back, but no one really seems to come out ahead. That's just how life is sometimes. You're quietly conquering people, minding your own business, when suddenly there's a plague, or barbarians, or everyone's illiterate, and it's all you can do to cling to some wreckage as the storm passes through. Still, you are sure that, as always, you will triumph over this adversity, or at least do slightly better than everyone else.

Here's the info from the Geek (http://boardgamegeek.com/boardgameexpansion/125403/dominion-dark-ages)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcf.geekdo-images.com%2Fimages%2Fpic1384570.png&hash=f212efd66b76c757ffc471350e1de045af305225)


(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcf.geekdo-images.com%2Fimages%2Fpic1386429.png&hash=e7672f5d773afb904de10cf5a3277490f121eaae)


(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcf.geekdo-images.com%2Fimages%2Fpic1388508.png&hash=618052f566fe6f6a4dc16128b1f26ad5fe1a3744)


(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcf.geekdo-images.com%2Fimages%2Fpic1385699.png&hash=4dd807b9034882f25847f69172b3b65c28813a0e)
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: 0kult13 on August 31, 2012, 12:55:11 AM
Glad i still have Androminion as the rio grande release was a disaster and they put it back in beta, i hate that they made it online only as i only ever play single player and like to tailor it like you can in Androminion. Androminion is great but i do miss the pictures.
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: Bayonet_Chris on November 12, 2012, 04:38:56 PM
I'll have to check out the new set. I haven't played on isotropic in a while.
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 01, 2013, 01:44:02 PM
Androminion has been killed as of the v3 release.

Honestly, I hate the v3 UI and 'downgraded' back to the v2.04 build because it works better.

It was killed b/c RGG has an official Android version coming.

Also, isotropic has been shut down b/c there's an official online site now, too.  However, the online site is one of those "free to play - but only some of the cards" kinds pieces of shit.  You can't play w/ any expansions w/o "buying" the cards on the site, and if you want to play head-to-head, then everyone in the game has to "buy" the cards to use.  So you can play the base game as a solo - I will admit the AI is pretty good - but anything above that you have to pay for.
It's also a very graphically-intense game, so it can slow down your machine if you have other things running, and there's no disguising it at work, either.
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: bayonetbrant on July 01, 2013, 01:47:11 PM
New "Guilds" expansion was released at Origins.

I haven't played it, but some of the cards look cool.

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcf.geekdo-images.com%2Fimages%2Fpic1687349.png&hash=cbd0a88ef64f3e33abdbdf02bb9ea1e444f6da85)

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcf.geekdo-images.com%2Fimages%2Fpic1689157.png&hash=dd95d48140c4e179c9aafbabb7915d89cf9eb624)
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: JasonPratt on January 17, 2014, 08:08:40 PM
I've been poking around the idea of setting up solo (or at least easier mp) board games thanks to a new iPhone5S (thanks Dad!), and have been hearing horror stories about the official Dominion online attempt. But apparently (from what was said last year on this thread) the iOS version was great?  ???

I'm just curious about the current status of the iOS version (and whether it's even available for iPhone), as I haven't been able to clarify that yet.
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: bayonetbrant on January 17, 2014, 08:38:17 PM
the iOS one is OK, but the 'unofficial' one for Android is excellent


the online one from goku is crap.
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: JasonPratt on January 18, 2014, 09:15:23 AM
Where can the iOS one be found? It doesn't seem to be at the app shop (which makes sense if it isn't an official port), and while I can find the last unofficial Android port its page didn't seem to mention an iOS version. I googled last night but had to leave before getting far.
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: bayonetbrant on February 12, 2014, 07:01:12 AM
Here's an interesting interview with the designer


http://dominionstrategy.com/2012/12/20/interview-with-donald-x-vaccarino-part-i-boardgame-design/
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: JasonPratt on February 12, 2014, 08:39:39 AM
Whilst poking around a few weeks ago, I found several mentions of a game called Tanto Cuore (think I spelled that right), which was designed by a fan of Dominion who felt frustrated that he didn't have a mobile version of Dom so he ported the rules over to a new ip.

So yay, I bought it!

The gameplay is certainly... strategic enough. I guess. Production values are very high.

Did I mention the designer is Japanese?

Did I mention the designer was previously known for dating sims?

Have I mentioned yet the concept of the game is to become "The King of Maids", and to collect what amounts to a public and private harem?

I was told the skeevy theme wasn't outright obscene, and this is true. But still, we're talking about a game where you power up each turn by collecting and playing a particular set of cards where one of the underage-looking-maids is caught dry humping a heart shaped pillow. Or two. Or three. (Pillows I mean, not maids.)

So I just decided to wait until a proper port of Dominion (and/or until the current version is bugstomped into shape), and deleted it from the phone.

But if anyone is feeling very desperate this valentine's day...
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: bayonetbrant on February 12, 2014, 09:23:16 AM
Quote from: JasonPratt on February 12, 2014, 08:39:39 AM
Whilst poking around a few weeks ago, I found several mentions of a game called Tanto Cuore (think I spelled that right), which was designed by a fan of Dominion who felt frustrated that he didn't have a mobile version of Dom so he ported the rules over to a new ip.
Sounds like Fortunes of War (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=fortunesofwar.free)

Quote from: JasonPratt on February 12, 2014, 08:39:39 AMSo yay, I bought it!
wait, you have to *pay* for apps?!  Who knew?

Quote from: JasonPratt on February 12, 2014, 08:39:39 AMThe gameplay is certainly... strategic enough. I guess. Production values are very high.
Always a good sign for a mobile game

Quote from: JasonPratt on February 12, 2014, 08:39:39 AMDid I mention the designer is Japanese?
No.

Quote from: JasonPratt on February 12, 2014, 08:39:39 AMDid I mention the designer was previously known for dating sims?
Oy.

Quote from: JasonPratt on February 12, 2014, 08:39:39 AMHave I mentioned yet the concept of the game is to become "The King of Maids", and to collect what amounts to a public and private harem?
Wait, this is sounding promising

Quote from: JasonPratt on February 12, 2014, 08:39:39 AMI was told the skeevy theme wasn't outright obscene, and this is true. But still, we're talking about a game where you power up each turn by collecting and playing a particular set of cards where one of the underage-looking-maids is caught dry humping a heart shaped pillow.
well now

Quote from: JasonPratt on February 12, 2014, 08:39:39 AMOr two.
hey there

Quote from: JasonPratt on February 12, 2014, 08:39:39 AMOr three.
w00t!

Quote from: JasonPratt on February 12, 2014, 08:39:39 AM(Pillows I mean, not maids.)
oh.         




bummer.

Quote from: JasonPratt on February 12, 2014, 08:39:39 AMSo I just decided to wait until a proper port of Dominion (and/or until the current version is bugstomped into shape), and deleted it from the phone.
Hey, if you're on a 'droid, Androminion is definitely worth it, now that the v3 UI has been unfuggled

Quote from: JasonPratt on February 12, 2014, 08:39:39 AMBut if anyone is feeling very desperate this valentine's day...

paging Gus!
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: JasonPratt on February 12, 2014, 09:50:35 AM
Alas, I'm on iOS not on Android.

Fortunes of War sounds promising though; I'll check into that... CURSES! not on iOS either...

Meanwhile, here is a Starlit Citadel review of the physical card game. The mobile version is just like this but with more, um, sound effects. (Not entirely what you're thinking.)

Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: bayonetbrant on March 24, 2014, 03:01:01 PM
I just finished an Androminion game where I ended up with all 12 colonies at the end of a 4-player game
Title: Re: Dominion - it's everywhere!
Post by: bayonetbrant on October 27, 2015, 07:11:56 PM
so here's a badass score on Androminion...