Game Design Review, Testing and Criticism

Animal protection and sustainability are integral to today's world. The Alps are home to many fascinating animal species. This living space should be expanded in Alpino by Mads Fløe. The tile-laying game published by Piatnik is inevitably reminiscent of the classic game with its two-part tiles. dominoHere they are laid flat rather than in a row and there are few other similarities.

How do I build an alpine habitat?

At the beginning of Albino, the tiles are divided into face-down piles. One tile is drawn more than the number of players playing. One by one, the participants choose a tile and use it to expand their living space. It is important to pay attention to two properties of the lying object: animal and landscape. After the first tile that represents the beginning, new tiles can only be created if at least one landscape type of tile to be placed is also present in an adjacent space.

Like with domino Only the same figures can be put together. However, the game instructions are not entirely clear as to whether these landscapes should touch each other, which led to confusion during testing. The goal of the creation is to create as cohesive groups as possible of the five animal species (ibex, lynx, falcon, badger, alpine antelope) and water areas.

The remaining tiles in each round are used to increase the value of each animal type. At the end of the game, each player gets the value assigned to the largest group of animal types, regardless of the actual size of the group.

Is albino fun?

The packaging and play materials of the Alpino are of good quality and can be easily stored using the two bags provided so you can start playing right away. The art design by Kristen Alcoff was not well received by anyone who participated in the test. The choice of colors and the combination of abstract landscape backgrounds and origami animals don’t quite work. But as we all know, you can’t argue with taste and anyone interested in purchasing can decide for themselves based on the packaging.

The idea of ​​creating groups of animals is well designed and allows you to constantly check the opponent's fields and calculate the group sizes. After the last move, a secret tile drawn at the beginning is placed, allowing a strategy or two to collapse at the last second.

Basically, Alpino is fun if it weren’t for two major weaknesses. The game is too short! Only when the flow of the game develops, when each participant feels their living space, does the game end. Doubling the number of tiles would easily solve this problem. In addition, the scoring doesn’t work intuitively. For each type of animal, the players search for the largest group, which then gets points. Whether there are five or ten Capricorns standing together is irrelevant. It makes sense and can be an interesting tactical element. But in the game, this left all participants feeling dissatisfied and was cited without exception as a suggestion for improvement.

I enjoy Alpino and would not recommend it to anyone who is attracted to the look and gameplay. However, it is not a recommendation for everyone.

Special Feature: Single Player

There are a few changes to the game rules alone. You can go for a high score through mini-orders and eight pre-set rounds with slightly more detailed selection criteria. The short play time is refreshing and beating your previous best can make for a fun change. Alpino can provide entertaining entertainment for solo players. But how long it keeps you motivated. Can't be tested in preparation for the review.