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Ark Nova box art

Base game

Ark Nova

Kritiku rating

Not rated

Published
2021
Reach
Widely known
Players
1–4
Play time
90–150 min
Weight
Not enough ratings yet
Ratings
0

How it plays

Build and manage a zoo, aiming to make your appeal and conservation markers meet or pass each other. On your turn, use one of five action cards—gain cards, build, add animals, perform association work, or play sponsors—with its position determining its strength, then move it to the weakest slot. The end triggers when one player’s markers cross; after final turns and bonuses, their separation determines scores.

Main mechanics

  • Trading & negotiation
  • Spatial puzzle
  • Hand management
  • Engine building
  • Drafting
  • Set collection
  • Tile laying
  • Trading & negotiation: Deals between players move the game forward.
  • Spatial puzzle: Fitting shapes together efficiently is the challenge.
  • Hand management: Timing which card to spend is the core puzzle.
  • Engine building: Small early moves compound into a machine that does the work later.
Full publisher description

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. 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. description from the publisher

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