Dokapon Kingdom: Connect

Dokapon Kingdom: Connect is a very interesting experiment in its attempt to merge completely opposite genres, unfortunately it is a game that few will have the time and commitment necessary to really enjoy the title, as well as the patience for hours of turns focused on grinding. However, it is certainly an experiment that increased my desire to see this combination being approached again by more developers, in an attempt to refine it into something extremely unique and fun to propose playing with friends in casual hangouts, without all the filler here.

Dokapon Kingdom Connect takes the series’ storied history and elevates it to new heights. It’s a delightful blend of nostalgia and innovation, offering hours of laughter, competition, and adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned Dokapon veteran or a newcomer to the kingdom, this game is a must-play.

Dokapon Kingdom: Connect is a unique game on the market, exploring the concept of making a mixture of RPG and board game in which both parts not only respect each other, but also complement each other. Although some elements of imbalance and the failure to explain its rules make the game have a high initial barrier for new players, it is a charming experience that is well worth knowing.

Dokapon Kingdom: Connect is a blast to play with friends. It may cause some arguments among friends, but it is an overall enjoyable experience. There are some frustrating things, like the mandatory space movements and being unable to combine the local lobbies and online lobbies, but I recommend it as a party game.

Dokapon Kingdom: Connect blends a board game with RPG elements and looks like it would be fun to play, but the pacing is so ridiculously slow that it becomes frustrating and feels bland.

Dom Toretto famously said “I don't have friends, I have family” in the Fast and Furious movies. Apparently, Toretto has never played Dokapon Kingdom: Connect with family members. Cutthroat trolling returns in this remaster of the classic party game from 2007 as you sabotage former friends and family members on your way to the top. Dokapon Kingdom: Connect extends the party from your couch to online as well with new online play. Solo play remains a bit boring and the visuals are admittedly looking a bit dated. Get several folks together, however, and you’ll be set for hours of plotting, conniving and backstabbing. Machiavelli would be proud.

Dokapon Kingdom: Connect is no doubt a very niche title that can offer some captivating scenarios and treacherous betrayals between friends.

You're going to want to give Dokapon Kingdom: Connect a pass, unless you feel like devoting dozens of hours to a board game that's not really very interesting.

Dokapon Kingdom Connect is a very niche thing indeed. But it’s silly, wacky, colourful and charming. Everyone in the household can have a laugh with it, and putting aside the old school “cheating” AI, it’s mechanically sound. It’s no replacement for Boom Street/Fortune Street/Itadaki Street, but it’s not a bad substitute, and might be on high rotation on your Switch longer than you think.

I loved playing its predecessor back in the day and now that Dokapon Kingdom Connect is here, I'm thrilled that modern audiences can appreciate its wacky party RPG antics. Who knew that combining those genres could be this much fun?