Very Bad Lands - Game Review

Title: Very Bad Lands

Designed By: Marc Larivière

Art By: Marc Larivière

Published By: Randolph

Released: 2024

Player Count: 3-6

Time to Play: 20 Minutes

Ages: 8+

---

Overview:

In Very Bad Lands: Brachio from Randolph, you and your friends play as dinosaurs just trying to make it through one disaster after another without going extinct. Each round brings new calamities, and while only one dino bites the dust in the end, that means everyone else gets to enjoy a little prehistoric victory. With quick turns, simple rules, and a super light-hearted vibe, this one’s perfect for folks who love dinosaurs, want something easy to teach, and are looking for a quick cute game.

What's purr-ty cool:

Player Powers & Sneaky Swaps

Each dinosaur comes with its own unique ability, which adds just enough flavor to give players something fun to play around with. The core gameplay is straightforward: at the start of each round, everyone gets one face-down disaster card, and one card goes face-up in the "river". On your turn, you can either keep your card or swap it—either with the river card or with the face-down card of the player to your left. You don’t want to end up with the lowest card, because if you do, you lose a life—and once you’re out, you’re extinct. Some disaster cards also have special effects that can shake things up—maybe they protect your card or change its value—so you’re not just at the mercy of luck; there’s some nice little strategy in when and how to use your powers and swaps.

Dino-Mite Theme & Art

Okay, I love cats, but dinosaurs might just be my one true theme love. The art in Very Bad Lands is quirky and charming—it totally reminds me of illustrations you’d find in a children’s coloring book, and I mean that in the best way. It’s simple, silly, and absolutely fits the light tone of the game. I also love when designers are also the illustrators of their games. It is awesome hen someone has both skills! And let’s be real the Brachio version wins my heart because it includes my all-time favorite dino—the Stegosaurus. If you also want to channel your inner plated herbivore, this is the version to grab.

Double the Dinos, Double the Fun

There are actually two versions of Very Bad Lands—Brachio and T-Rex. Both play the same, just with different dinos in each box. On its own, Brachio plays 3–6 players, but if you pick up both versions, you can combine them to play with up to 10 people. Not bad for a game box that fits in the palm of your hand! It’s honestly kind of impressive how many players this game can handle considering how small the box is. And bonus points: the box has enough room that you could easily fit both editions into one, or I think you could even store sleeved cards if you’re into that kind of thing (for a single game).

The cat's meow:

"Only one dino goes extinct? Amateur hour. I could survive eight disasters before breakfast." - Solo the Spokescat

---

Disclosure: Pudgy Cat Games was provided a copy of this game in exchange for a review, however, this review reflects the honest thoughts of the author.