Ark Nova

Ark Nova from Capstone Games and Feuerland provides you with the opportunity to create a modern Zoo by building pens, populating them with all types of endangered and non-endangered animals, build attractions and rides, gain sponsorships, partner up with other zoos from across the world and finally release animals back into the wild using clever conservation programs.

To do this the game uses several different mechanisms and cleverly combines them to provide 1 to 4 players with a 90 to 150 minute game. The game includes 1 larger central gameboard, 1 association board, 8 double sided player mats, 255 playing cards, 129 wooden pieces, and more than 250 cardboard tokens and tiles.

Each card used in this game is unique and may provide you with opportunities to improve your zoo’s reputation, income, or conservation ranking. The games end is triggered when one players conservation marker goes past their income marker which is travelling in the opposite direction.

On a players turn they have 5 different actions they can take by using their player cards. However, depending on where the players card is below their player mat will determine how strong their action is. Once a card has been used it goes back to the first position (weakest) and all of the other cards move up to take a stronger position. Careful planning is required to get the most out of all of the possible action cards.

The Build action allows you to construct an empty enclosure in your Zoo ready to be populated by an animal. The stronger the position of this card will allow you to build bigger enclosures.

The Animal Action allows you to place new animals in your empty enclosures. You can even play two animals if this card is in the strongest position.

The Cards action allows you to draw new cards into your hand.

The Sponsorship card allows you to take on new sponsors who might provide more income, discounts on certain animals etc and other very useful benefits. These sponsors have requirements for the strength of your sponsor card.

The Association card allows you to send one of your workers to the Association Board which could provide you with partnership opportunities with Zoos from different continents, the assistance of universities, and the ability to complete conservation projects and score big points.

All of these cards can be upgraded during the game providing even better options for when to use them. You can also unlock more workers to send to the Association Board.

As you cover over certain areas on your player mats with enclosures, rides etc you will unlock one time bonuses. You can also build kiosks and pavilions to increase your income levels.

A game for players who like to have a lot to manage at any given point but also for players who have always wanted to build a Zoo the way you want it to be built. A definite contender for game of the year.