Dominations: Road to Civilization

Holy Grail Games, Galápagos Jogos · Board game · 2019
2–4 · best 3 60–120 min Weight 3.6/5
7.8 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
Buy
7.8 rating Ludopedia
7.3 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for those who love civilization themes but want faster sessions and a unique look. The triangular dominoes are a brilliant touch that refreshes the genre.

Highlights
  • Innovative domino mechanic
  • Satisfying tech progression
  • Varied modular board
  • Tactile and appealing visuals
Keep in mind
  • Initial learning curve
  • Text-heavy language dependency
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Ever wondered what it takes to turn a tiny primitive tribe into a legendary empire that echoes through the centuries? In Dominations: Road to Civilization, that's exactly your mission, but with a very interesting twist: the game uses triangular dominoes! Forget the idea of just 'matching numbers'; here, the placement of these tiles is the key to expanding your population and shaping your society's culture.

The gameplay revolves around how you organize your territory. By placing your dominoes, you aren't just growing geographically, but also acquiring fundamental knowledge. This knowledge is what allows you to build cities and master specific skills. Each new skill mastered becomes a pillar of your civilization, acting as a step on a tech tree that unlocks new possibilities and boosts your political and military power.

The game blends area control strategy (who holds the most influence in each spot?) with the satisfaction of seeing your empire grow visually on a modular board. You'll need a keen eye to decide which technologies to prioritize and how to outmaneuver your opponents to ensure your legacy is the most glorious of all. It's the kind of game where every tile placed can change the course of your history, requiring constant planning and adaptation.

If you love civilization games but want something more tactile and dynamic than the massive 10-hour simulators, Dominations is the perfect choice. The challenge lies in balancing territorial expansion with technological development to accumulate the most points. In the end, the player who best managed their resources and strategically positioned their tiles will be crowned the ruler of the most influential civilization in history.
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Rules videos

In English

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Game details

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Crowdfunding: Kickstarter Digital Implementations: TableTop Simulator Mod (TTS) Digital Implementations: Tabletopia Game: Dominations Mechanism: Tableau Building
Publisher Holy Grail Games, Galápagos Jogos
Designer Eric Dubus, Olivier Melison
Artist Agathe Pitié, Amber Scharf, Florian Stitz, Loïc Muzy
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the game too complex?
It has a medium-high weight (3.5 on BGG), so it's not an entry-level game. It requires planning, but the domino logic becomes intuitive after a few rounds.
How long does a game last?
Usually between 60 and 120 minutes, which is quite fast for a civilization-building game.
Does it work well with 2 players?
Yes, the game supports 2 to 4 players, maintaining competitiveness even in smaller sessions.
Do I need a translation to play?
Yes, language dependency is considered extensive, so if you aren't fluent in the version's language, you'll need references or a translation.
What is the main goal?
Expand your population and master technological skills to accumulate the highest final score.
Who is this game recommended for?
People who enjoy tile placement, area control, and technological evolution games.