Beschrijving
Ark Nova
In Ark Nova, you will plan and design a modern, scientifically managed zoo. With the ultimate goal of owning the most successful zoological establishment, you will build enclosures, accommodate animals, and support conservation projects all over the world. Specialists and unique buildings will help you in achieving this goal.
Gameplay
Each player has a set of five action cards to manage their gameplay, and the power of an action is determined by the slot the card currently occupies. The cards in question are:
- CARDS: Allows you to gain new zoo cards (animals, sponsors, and conservation project cards).
- BUILD: Allows you to build standard or special enclosures, kiosks, and pavilions.
- ANIMALS: Allows you to accommodate animals in your zoo.
- ASSOCIATION: Allows your association workers to carry out different tasks.
- SPONSORS: Allows you to play a sponsor card in your zoo or to raise money.
255 cards featuring animals, specialists, special enclosures, and conservation projects, each with a special ability, are at the heart of Ark Nova. Use them to increase the appeal and scientific reputation of your zoo and collect conservation points.
Summarised
Ark Nova took the board game community by storm and has become within the timespan of a couple of months a top 10 game on BoardGameGeek. It’s on the heavy side of the spectrum and can make your brain hurt if you are prone to analysis paralysis. Because of the nature of the game it tends to take some time to finish a game. Experienced players can play a two player game within 1,5 hours though. The solo mode plays very smoothly. There’s a clear goal: you win if you’re able to cross the two scoring tracks within 6 rounds. Ark Nova is often being compared to Terraforming Mars. They both made the somewhat controversial choice for using stock photos as art for the playing cards. They’re both engine building games. Ark Nova has the more accessible theme and also feels more thematic.
