Dragon World (World, V040O)

Dragon World is a two-player tabletop game released in 1997 by IGS. Originally developed in Japan as "Zhong Guo Long," this export version presents players with a match-three puzzle challenge reminiscent of Shanghai. Players strategically swap adjacent tiles adorned with dragon imagery to create lines of three or more identical pieces, clearing them from the board. The game is part of a series that began in 1995 and continued through 2001, with several sequels and special editions following its initial release. The objective is to eliminate all tiles before running out of moves, requiring careful planning and quick reflexes. As players clear lines, they earn points and strategically manage the remaining pieces on the playfield. The game’s design incorporates elements of classic tabletop puzzle games while presenting a visually distinct aesthetic rooted in East Asian motifs. Dragon World initiated a franchise that would span several years with subsequent releases including Dragon World II and Dragon World 3.