New Jurassic World board game challenges you to do better than the original dinosaur park

A new Jurassic World board game is stomping our way in the not so distant future, and Jurassic World: The Legacy of Isla Nublar will arrive sometime next year. Launching via Kickstarter on March 22, 2022, the suitably massive game is being developed by Prospero Hall, the team behind many of the best board games from the past few years (including Horrified and Disney Villainous).

The last part of the title is particularly apt - and more than a bit literal. Jurassic World: The Legacy of Isla Nublar allows you to develop your own park over time with 'legacy' elements that build on your success or failure. As the official press release notes, "each decision made during play will uniquely and permanently affect the course of the game, resulting in dramatically different outcomes". Although we've had Jurassic Park board games (and more than a few unlicensed takes) in the past, it's those consequence mechanics that should help this one stand out. A retro 1950s art-style modelled after the comic books that inspired the franchise doesn't hurt either.

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Taking place over 12 individual adventures (which last two or more hours each), you'll "transform Isla Nublar into an astonishing paradise, build your own vision of the theme park, and breed new dinosaurs". Because it follows the storyline of all five films, and features beloved characters like Alan Grant and Ellie Sattler, players must also navigate the park's earliest days right through to the modern era of Chris Pratt being besties with a velociraptor. However, certain elements of the game are kept secret until you hit a particular milestone. At this point, new mechanics, dinosaurs, and challenges are revealed to shake things up.

Speaking of which, four dinosaurs have been revealed thus far: Tyrannosaurus Rex, Velociraptor, Brachiosaurus, and Triceratops. More will be unlocked over time, but your goal remains the same no matter what's stalking around your park - protect these animals, ensure your keepers are safe, and avoid visitors getting eaten. Considering how much of a health and safety disaster the original parks were, that might be tricky.

When is the Jurassic World board game coming out?

So, when will you be able to actually play Jurassic World: The Legacy of Isla Nublar? While there isn't a firm release date beyond the Kickstarter campaign this coming March, a late 2022 or early 2023 launch seems likely (judging by previous trends and the power of publisher Funko). It'll almost certainly arrive at all the usual suspects like Amazon, Target, or Best Buy as well, so don't think you'll need to back the project on Kickstarter to receive it. Indeed, the only things you'd miss out on would be any Kickstarter-exclusive add-ons.

No matter what, the core game will cost you $120. That may seem steep at first, but it's actually pretty common when it comes to board games for adults of this scope. Especially because the box is so stuffed with components that it weighs in at a (faintly absurd) seven pounds.

We don't have any international pricing info yet, but we'll keep you informed as and when we learn more.

Want some recommendations to tide you over until the game arrives? Check out these board games for 2 players or the best cooperative board games. And if you'd prefer something you can enjoy with your loved ones this Holiday season, don't forget about the top board games for families.

I've been writing about games in one form or another since 2012, and now manage GamesRadar+'s tabletop gaming and toy coverage. You'll find my grubby paws on everything from board game reviews to the latest Lego news.