Game Daze Park Place Mall Manager Recommendation, May 2011

Drew -

As the explorer came over the hill and laid his eyes on the great plain before him, he noticed a rider in the distance, wearing a feathered headdress. The two men approached each other and watched each other carefully, each pondering the future. Which of their peoples would utilize the resources of this land the best? Or would it survive at all?

In Dakota, you play the role of either a settler or a native as they manage the resources of the West. At the beginning of the game, the players must choose one of the two roles, which affect what they can build and certain special aspects of the game.

Dakota is an interesting worker placement game and should be easily played with the whole family. The most interesting element is that each group must work together to keep the other group from getting resources, but still work individually to get the resources for themselves. Also, the fact that the second row of resources, which is only available when the first row runs out, if much more useful for the settlers than it is for the natives adds some tough decisions from an ecological standpoint. It is also a great opportunity to discuss the history of the west and the differences between the natives and the settlers. I had a blast playing it and would highly recommend it.