Sometimes I like my abstract games with a little bit of brain burn, and sometimes I like it with a lot of puzzly, thinky challenges. But once in a while, I will take a really hard, fast challenge in a game and flex those brain muscles. In the newest game we have from Kosmos, I got to do just that!
Dimension is a 1-4 player game from Kosmos that plays for ages 8 and up and in approximately 30 minutes for a game. Designed by Lauge Luchaua, this game comes with:
- 4 player trays
- 60 Spheres (12 or each color orange, blue, black, white, green)
- 60 task cards
- 90 point tokens
- 30 bonus tokens
- 4 overview tiles
Overview:
To begin, each player takes a gameboard and 3 spheres of each color in front of their gameboard. One overview tile is given to each player to help explain the rules. 10 point tokens are given to each player as well. Shuffle the task cards and lay out 6 face up in the middle of the table to begin.
In each round, the 6 cards revealed will be the rules that you must build by for the round. Each card indicates how to position the spheres in the player tray when you build. Once everyone has looked at the tasks, you flip the hourglass and begin.
While the hourglass runs down each player must try to stack their spheres according to the rules. You can and should try to stack 11 spheres on three levels total.
Once the timer runs out, each player will receive one point for each sphere placed on their stack regardless of task cards. Once those are awarded you will check each task card for completion. If a player has completed it, they are good. If they have not completed it correctly, they lose two points. If you have satisfied all six of the task cards you will score a bonus token which will score (or lose) you points at the end of the game based on the number you have acquired over the rounds.
Impressions:
What could be better:
Speed-This is something you can change on your own, but this game is crazy fast with the timer. When you start to get a handle on the gameplay, you get a better idea of how fast you need to get the spheres set, but it is not for the faint of heart of slow thinking player.
Variety-I like the different task cards but really would have liked to have seen a different type of style or two added in to give it a little more variety. The cards tended to get a little repetitive in the mix.
What we liked:
Challenging-This game is definitely a brain burner-it is a tough one to get through and get a handle on at first, and the more you start to figure it out it still presents a good challenge. If you enjoy a good puzzle with multiple facets to it, this is going to be your game.
Components-The boards are sturdy cardboard with a little foot on the bottom that makes it easier to play the spheres. The colorful spheres are great-solid construction and heavy in weight making them easier to place on the design.
Replayability-You will not run in to the exact same combination in multiple turns, so this game has constant variety in that no two games are the same. You won’t be able to just learn the best way to solve this puzzle so the challenges will still be there every play.
Overall:
I really enjoyed this game from Kosmos. I don’t think there are enough solid puzzle type boardgames, and this one gives the members of my family a real challenge as they try to explore the different options and find a way to beat the clock with their best design. If you enjoy a good thinking game that really challenges you then Dimension is the choice for you!
