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.
At the heart of Ark Nova are 255 cards featuring animals, specialists, unique enclosures, and conservation projects, each with a particular ability. Use them to increase the appeal and scientific reputation of your zoo and to collect conservation points.
Each player has a set of action cards, which you will use and upgrade to carry out your plans. 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.
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The cards are:
- BUILD: This allows you to build standard or special enclosures, kiosks, and pavilions.
- ANIMALS: This allows you to accommodate animals in your zoo.
- CARDS: This allows you to gain new zoo cards (animals, sponsors, and conservation project cards).
- ASSOCIATION: This allows your association workers to carry out different tasks.
- SPONSORS: This allows you to play a sponsor card in your zoo or to raise money.
With a lot of love for the theme, game designer Mathias Wigge has created an interestingly interwoven game. With high replayability and rich components, Ark Nova provides a remarkable gaming experience that will bring the game to the table again and again.
Adrian Rosas –
So much fun on my first play (:
Adrian Rosas –
Lance WheelerLance Wheeler –
Took us a couple hours to learn. Worth every second. This game is so fun and rewarding to play.
Lance WheelerLance Wheeler –
AP teacher –
LOVE this game. It takes some time to learn everything (watch a YouTube video to speed up the process), but it is incredibly well thought out and is highly replayable. Highly recommend!
AP teacher –
Steven B –
Ark Nova caught the board game world by storm at the end of 2021. Familiar to Terraforming Mars and Underwater Cities, Ark Nova lets you build your own Zoo. A lot has been said about the game but just a few thoughts.The game is what I would call medium heavy. Complexity is similar to the two previous games. Not much is new here, but the game combines a lot of mechanisms into a very satisfying puzzle. It is long. My solo games last about 75 minutes. 2 player is 120-150 minutes. I haven’t played with 3 or 4, but many have complained it gets very long. Not a problem for me as most of my game playing is with my wife. It has randomness in the card draw, maybe the biggest knock.Good theme, lots of tough decisions. Components are fine. As I am writing this, the game is $75 on Amazon. Comparing it to similar games, I’d say $55 or $60 is a more appropriate cost for what you are getting. But the game is HOT and supply/shipping isn’t making anything cheap at the moment.If you like Euro games this is an obvious addition to your collection. Just temper your expectations. There has been so much buzz, it can be easy to assume this will be the euro to end all euros. So far I have 4 plays in and it is REALLY good, but it won’t change your mind about euros. It isn’t a Terraforming Mars killer. But it deserves its spot in the top group of heavy(ish) strategy games. Can’t wait to play more.
9 people found this helpful
Steven B –