Droomhuis

Droomhuis is an excellent (Dutch only!) family game for 3 to 4 players, where every player uses cards to create their own house following some very basic rules. With simple rules and fun and easy gameplay, you and your children will create your own dreamhouse time after time in about 30 minutes per game!

Everything about this game is inviting!

How does it play?

The purpose of the game is to create your own dreamhouse. This is done by choosing a column of cards from the playboard in turn, that you then place on your house. Some simple rules should be followed, like the fact that rooms need to be adjecent, and no rooms can be built without a floor beneath them. Once twelve turns have passed, the house is complete and the points are tallied based on the chosen rooms, and possible bonusses.

The lay of the cards

A single turn 

Laying the choices

At the beginning of the game, the selection board is cleared and new cards are placed. The top row gives you new room cards while the bottom row contains improvement cards. Starting with the youngest player, everyone gets to choose a column of cards. This means a room and an improvement card. These cards then need to be played directly, except indicated otherwise. 

Making your house

So this means that making your house does take some planning in advance. Cards can be placed on any free space with something built underneath.  Another option to choose, is the first row. This gives you first choice in the next turn. If no one picks this first column, the starting player stays the same, and new cards are handed out.

Daddy, I want that one!

Winning the game

The game takes exactly 12 turns. After that, points are tallied for every room. Some rooms can be made from multiple rooms and are then worth more points. Once the rooms are tallied, this is increased with the bonusses you might've gathered and the functionality of your house. Finally, the points for your roof are summed up to make up your final score! The player with the biggest score wins. Droomhuis even includes a set of scoreboards to help you keep count of your points!

What's in the box

Droomhuis comes in a sturdy carboard box with an inlay for all its components. These components are made in a heavy cardboard and there's also the small wooden house to indicate the beginning player. The room and improvement cards are lovely designed and make your house look very cosy!

Great stuff, and even a scoreboard!

Compared to...

I actually couldn't think of any games to compare it with. The best would be to compare it to four-of-a-kind, or any other game that teaches children how to count and make small tactical decisions. 

Pick this up if...

you love to play boardgames with your children. It's a game that's easy and can be played by kids from four years up that really teaches them not only to count, but also to make decisions on where to place the rooms. While the improvement card can be difficult for smaller children, anyone above 7 will really like this game.

Don't bother if ...

you have older teens, of simply adults. This game is made to be played with (younger) children, and is thus very whimsical. While the simple rules might leave some hardcore gamers hanging, the fun of creating your own house keeps you playing time after time.

Sorry kids, daddy won!

If you feel like I've left out something, or if you've got any other feedback, don't hesitate to comment! Especially if you like it :) If you'd like to read/see more of me and my gaming exploits, be sure to follow me on Facebook, Twitter or follow my story on Snapchat !