Dominova

About Dominova

Dominova is a turn-based strategy puzzle game developed by Kjoeb, released on November 19 2025 for PC Linux and Mac. It blends domino mechanics with deckbuilding and tactical board navigation. Players collect dominoes chain them into sequences to score points and defeat the Lord of Dominoes in a cosmic struggle. The game emphasizes resource management as longer chains and strategic upgrades amplify scoring potential. Hazards and loot complicate board interactions adding layers of risk and reward. With a single-player focus it leans into methodical planning and adaptive strategy rather than combat. The quirky premise and satisfying chain mechanics make it a niche pick for fans of abstract puzzles and tactical gameplay.

Gameplay

Each turn you place dominoes on a grid-based board matching numbers to extend chains. Longer sequences trigger multipliers and unlock upgrades that boost future scoring. The board shifts dynamically with hazards like collapsing tiles or random reshuffles while loot drops temporary power-ups. Turn order matters: placing tiles to block future hazards or force chain reactions is key. Upgrades let you swap dominoes or manipulate the board but require careful resource allocation. Sessions average 45 minutes to an hour with tension rising as the board fills. The tactical depth comes from balancing immediate scoring with long-term board control. Controls are minimal but precise, dragging tiles and rotating them to fit feels intuitive. Replays are varied due to random board layouts and loot drops.

What Players Think

Dominova holds an 8.2/10 rating with 72% positive reviews. 41% of players complete it averaging 12h 34m playtime. Community moods are split: 24% enthusiastic 33% neutral and 17% frustrated. Critics praise the "oddly satisfying chain mechanics" but note a steep learning curve. One review calls it "a masterclass in incremental strategy" while another complains "the randomness feels punishing after 10 hours." Achievement data shows 68% unlock at least half the upgrades. Fans highlight the satisfying feedback loop of chaining dominoes but many find the late-game grind repetitive. The 23% community leaderboard completion rate suggests high skill floors despite the game’s abstract design.

PlayPile's Take

Dominova is best for puzzle fans who enjoy slow-burn strategy and don’t mind trial-and-error learning. The $19.99 price tag feels fair for the depth but the 17% negative reviews hint at accessibility issues. With 52 achievements focused on chain length and upgrade efficiency it rewards persistence. While not a must-play for everyone its unique blend of domino logic and tactical planning offers a fresh twist on deckbuilders. Stick with it past the 5-hour mark and you’ll unlock its quirks, and might find yourself obsessively optimizing chains.

Storyline

You place dominoes in space to defeat the Lord of Dominoes who wants to destroy every Universe