Game Objective
The objective of Dinosaur Island: Totally Liquid is to build a theme park with dinosaurs and attractions, accumulating victory points (VPs) to win. The victory condition is to score 6 VPs for each complete set consisting of one herbivore exhibit, one small carnivore exhibit, and one large carnivore exhibit in your park. Additionally, points are awarded for attractions, PR events, and the fulfillment of hidden blueprints.
Setup
To set up the game, follow these steps:
- Modules and Components: Add the Dinosaur Park and Executives modules to the game. Prepare the board with the Laboratory, Park, markers, limit cubes, and other components as per the manual.
- Item Draft: Each player chooses an executive and a park module in reverse order, then in normal order. Unchosen items are returned to the box.
- Initial Configuration: Shuffle the DNA dice, plot twist cards, specialists, and dinosaur recipes. Place the DNA dice in the laboratory and the marine recipes in the corresponding pile if the module is active.
- Blueprints: Each player receives 3 hidden blueprints. Choose one to keep and keep it face down during the game.
Refer to the manual for details on specific module setups, such as Module 5: Blueprints or Module 2: Marine Creatures.
Game Flow
The game progresses in phases and turns, following this order:
- Phase 1: Players may acquire dinosaur recipes by spending DNA. If a #3 specialist is used, they gain security bonuses or additional DNA.
- Phase 3 (Market): Players buy items (DNA, upgrades, etc.) using money. Laboratory upgrades or executions can be activated here.
- Phase 4 (PR Events and End of Game): Players reveal PR event cards for scoring. The game ends when all objectives are completed. The final score is calculated based on exhibits, attractions, blueprints, and PR events.
Refer to the manual for details on specific phases, such as Phase 4: Hooligans or Phase 5: Hotels.
Actions and How to Play
Available actions include:
- Acquire Recipes: Use a scientist to obtain a dinosaur recipe. Marine recipes require a scientist with a specific research level.
- Use Executives: Each executive has unique abilities, such as increasing DNA limits or reducing threats by discarding goats.
- Build Attractions: Place dinosaurs or attractions in the park, following blueprints or using modules like Fantastic Island for magical attractions.
- Manage Goats: At the Goat Cliff, buy or discard goats to reduce threats or earn points.
- Activate Blueprints: At the end of the game, compare your park with the hidden blueprint to earn extra points.
Refer to the manual for detailed rules on actions such as Mega Rex or Hotels.
End of Game and Scoring
The game ends when all players complete their objectives. The score is calculated as follows:
- Exhibits: 6 VPs per complete set of herbivore, small carnivore, and large carnivore.
- Attractions: 2 VPs per feeding attraction, 2 VPs per ride attraction, and 4 VPs per complete level 4 pavilion.
- Blueprints: Bonus points based on the number of park zones that match the blueprint (up to 27 VPs).
- PR Events: Points according to the conditions of the cards revealed at the end of the game.
To win, accumulate at least 6 VPs per set of exhibits. Defeat occurs if a player does not reach the minimum score before the end of the game.
Tips for Winning
- Use Plot Twists Strategically: Include the "Hooligans" twist to earn points, but prevent them from increasing threats.
- Manage the Goats: Discard goats at the Goat Cliff to reduce threats in Phase 4.
- Optimize Blueprints: Align your park with the hidden blueprint to maximize bonus points.