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.
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. The cards are:
BUILD: Allows you to build standard or special enclosures, kiosks, and pavilions.
ANIMALS: Allows you to accommodate animals in your zoo.
CARDS: Allows you to gain new zoo cards (animals, sponsors, and conservation project cards).
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.
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.
samandandy –
Ark Nova is one of our favorites! We usually play with 2 players. Highly recommend for board game fans who are okay with a longer game (it usually takes us 2.5-3 hours, including set-up, to play).
The premise of Ark Nova is that each player is designing their own Zoo. Scarce or limited elements such as Conservation Projects (which reward you for meeting various criteria, like having a certain number of predators or European tags) keep the game interactive and competitive, but each player also has the freedom to really develop their zoo and strategies how they want. While the game can be complicated to master, the premise is very simple and the limitation of 5 possible actions helps simplify the learning process.