Ark Nova

"Ark Nova" is creating quite a buzz in the board gaming community, and it's easy to see why. Despite its complex rules, it's generating fervent excitement. While many gamers typically lean towards heavier, rules-heavy games, "Ark Nova" is capturing hearts with its innovative gameplay.

The game offers a unique blend of mechanics reminiscent of other popular titles. Players find echoes of "Terraforming Mars" in its card play, a touch of Uwe Rosenberg's polyomino expertise, and an intriguing action selection mechanism akin to "Civilization: A New Dawn." But what truly sets "Ark Nova" apart is its distinctive scoring system, which mirrors the approach seen in "Rajas of the Ganges."

In "Ark Nova," each player constructs their own zoo. The game kicks off with a relatively bare zoo, and players must gradually develop it, adding enclosures for animals, kiosks for visitors, and pavilions for relaxation. The game doesn't follow a set number of rounds or turns; players dictate when it ends. They take turns until someone triggers a "break," during which they can earn income and perform various tasks. After this break, the game resumes until a player successfully aligns their scoring markers on both the appeal and conservation tracks. This scoring mechanism is reminiscent of "Rajas of the Ganges."

Central to "Ark Nova" are its five action choices, each tied to a numbered action card. The number indicates the action's power. After taking an action, the card moves down, and other actions shift up to fill the gap. This innovative action selection mechanic is borrowed from "Civilization: A New Dawn."

In "Ark Nova", the race is on to balance both the Prestige and Conservation tracks, and players must be attentive to trigger the game's end. It's a game that masterfully blends elements from various sources into a unique and captivating gaming experience.

This page may contain affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links at no additional cost to you.

As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.