Ark Nova is a board game that has recently gained popularity among players worldwide. The game was developed by designer Michael Kiesling and illustrator Franz Vohwinkel, and published by Ravensburger. It is a strategy game that involves building and managing a zoo, with the goal of attracting visitors and earning money.
In this Ark Nova review, we will take a closer look at the game and its mechanics. The game is played over several rounds, with each round consisting of several phases. Players take turns placing tiles on the board to construct animal enclosures, food stands, and other attractions. They must also manage their resources, such as money and animal feed, to ensure that their zoo is successful.
Ark Nova is a well-designed and engaging board game that offers players a unique experience. Its colorful artwork and intuitive gameplay make it accessible to both casual and experienced players alike. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the game’s mechanics and explore what makes it a standout title in the world of board games.
Overview
Ark Nova is a board game designed by Mathias Wigge and published by Capstone Games. It is a strategic game that requires players to build their own Ark and fill it with animals before the flood arrives. The game is set in a world where a great flood is about to happen, and players must compete to save as many animals as possible.
The game is designed for 2-4 players and has a playing time of approximately 60-90 minutes. It is recommended for players aged 12 and above.
In Ark Nova, players take turns building their own Ark and collecting animals. They must also manage their resources carefully, as they will need to feed and care for their animals once they are on board. The game has a strong emphasis on strategy, as players must balance their resources and make strategic decisions to succeed.
The game features high-quality components, including detailed animal miniatures and a beautifully illustrated game board. The game also includes a variety of cards and tokens, which add to the strategic depth of the game.
Ark Nova is a well-designed and engaging board game that is sure to appeal to fans of strategy games. Its unique theme and high-quality components make it a standout game in the crowded board game market.
Game Components
Ark Nova is a board game that comes with a variety of high-quality components. The game includes 84 animal cards, 36 action cards, 12 sponsor cards, 12 conservation cards, and 4 player aids.
Animal Cards
The animal cards are beautifully illustrated and feature a variety of animals from around the world. Each card includes a picture of the animal, its name, and a brief description of its habitat and behavior. The cards are also color-coded by continent, making it easy to identify which animals are native to which part of the world.
Action Cards
The action cards are used to perform various actions during the game, such as moving animals or placing conservation cards. There are three types of action cards: movement, conservation, and sponsor. Each card includes a unique illustration and a brief description of its effect.
Sponsor Cards
The sponsor cards represent companies that are willing to fund conservation efforts around the world. Each card includes a picture of the company’s logo, its name, and a brief description of the type of conservation efforts it supports. Players can use sponsor cards to gain more resources or points.
Conservation Cards
The conservation cards represent various conservation efforts that players can undertake during the game. Each card includes a picture of the conservation effort, its name, and a brief description of its effect. Conservation cards can be used to protect animals, restore habitats, and promote sustainable practices.
Player Aids
The player aids are reference cards that provide players with a quick overview of the game rules and actions. Each card includes a summary of the various actions that can be taken during the game, as well as a breakdown of the different types of cards and their effects.
The game components in Ark Nova are of high quality and visually appealing. The animal cards are particularly impressive, with detailed illustrations and informative descriptions. The inclusion of sponsor and conservation cards adds an educational element to the game, while the player aids make it easy for new players to understand the rules.
Game Mechanics
Scoring
In Ark Nova, players score points by building structures, fulfilling contracts, and upgrading their buildings. Each building has a point value, and the player with the most points at the end of the game wins. There are also bonus points available for meeting certain conditions, such as having the most upgraded buildings or completing a set of contracts.
Drafting
Players draft cards from a central pool to build their structures and fulfill contracts. Each turn, players select one card from the pool and add it to their hand. They can then use their cards to build structures or fulfill contracts. The drafting mechanic adds an element of strategy and player interaction to the game, as players must carefully consider which cards to take and which to leave for their opponents.
Combos
Building structures and fulfilling contracts can trigger combos, allowing players to take more actions or score bonus points. For example, building a certain combination of buildings may allow a player to take an extra turn, or fulfilling a certain set of contracts may award bonus points. Combos add depth and complexity to the game, as players must consider how their actions will affect future turns.
Association Actions
Players can also take association actions, which allow them to interact with other players’ buildings and contracts. For example, a player may be able to use another player’s building to fulfill a contract, or sabotage their opponent’s progress by destroying a building. Association actions add a layer of player interaction and strategy to the game, as players must consider not only their own actions, but also how their opponents may respond.
Ark Nova’s game mechanics are well-balanced and provide a satisfying blend of strategy and player interaction. The drafting and combo mechanics in particular add depth and replayability to the game, making each play through unique and engaging.
Game play Experience
Ark Nova offers a unique and engaging game play experience for players. The game is a combination of strategy and simulation, with players taking on the role of a leader responsible for building and managing a colony on a distant planet.
Strategy
The game requires players to make strategic decisions to build and maintain a successful colony. They must manage resources, build structures, and research new technologies to ensure the survival of their colony. The game offers a range of different strategies that players can use, depending on their play style and the challenges they face.
Interaction
Ark Nova also offers a strong element of interaction, with players able to trade with other colonies, form alliances, and engage in diplomacy. The game allows players to interact with other players in a variety of ways, and the decisions they make in these interactions can have a significant impact on their colony’s success.
Replayability
One of the key strengths of Ark Nova is its replayability. The game offers a wide range of different challenges and scenarios, and players can choose to play through the game many times to experience different outcomes. The game also offers a range of different difficulty levels, allowing players to tailor their experience to their skill level.
Ark Nova provides a rich and engaging game play experience, with a strong emphasis on strategy, interaction, and replayability. Players looking for a challenging and rewarding simulation game will find plenty to enjoy in Ark Nova.
Theme and Artwork
Ark Nova is a unique project that combines art, music, and animal conservation. The theme of the project is to raise awareness about animal conservation and the importance of preserving wildlife. The artwork of the project is designed to reflect this theme and create a visually stunning experience for the audience.
The artwork of Ark Nova is inspired by the natural world and the animals that inhabit it. The project features a large inflatable structure that resembles a giant whale. The whale is covered in colorful patterns and designs that are meant to represent the diversity of animal life on earth. The inside of the structure is also decorated with artwork that depicts various animals and their habitats.
The artwork of Ark Nova is not only visually stunning but also serves an important purpose. The project aims to raise awareness about animal conservation and the importance of preserving wildlife. The artwork is designed to evoke a sense of wonder and awe in the audience, encouraging them to take action to protect the natural world.
The project also has a strong connection to zoos and animal conservation. Many of the artists involved in the project have worked with zoos and other animal conservation organizations in the past. The project aims to promote the work of these organizations and raise awareness about the important work they do.
The theme and artwork of Ark Nova are a powerful combination that creates a unique and impactful experience for the audience. The project’s focus on animal conservation and its connection to zoos and other animal conservation organizations make it an important and meaningful project that is sure to inspire and educate audiences around the world.
Comparison with Other Games
Terraforming Mars
Terraforming Mars is a popular board game that shares some similarities with Ark Nova. Both games involve players competing to develop and control resources, build structures, and earn victory points. Terraforming Mars has a more complex game play system than Ark Nova, with more emphasis on resource management and strategic planning. Additionally, Terraforming Mars has a longer playtime and is generally considered a more challenging game.
Wingspan
Wingspan is another board game that shares some similarities with Ark Nova. Both games involve players collecting resources and using them to build structures and gain victory points. Wingspan has a more focused theme, with players collecting birds and building habitats for them. Additionally, Wingspan has a more streamlined game play system than Ark Nova, with fewer rules and less complexity.
Civilization: A New Dawn
Civilization: A New Dawn is a board game that shares some similarities with Ark Nova, particularly its emphasis on resource management and strategic planning. Civilization: A New Dawn has a more complex game play system than Ark Nova, with more emphasis on diplomacy, warfare, and cultural development. Additionally, Civilization: A New Dawn has a longer playtime and is generally considered a more challenging game.
A Feast for Odin
A Feast for Odin is a board game that shares some similarities with Ark Nova, particularly its emphasis on resource management and strategic planning. A Feast for Odin has a more complex gameplay system than Ark Nova, with more emphasis on worker placement and resource conversion. Additionally, A Feast for Odin has a longer playtime and is generally considered a more challenging game.
While Ark Nova shares some similarities with other popular board games like Terraforming Mars, Wingspan, Civilization: A New Dawn, and A Feast for Odin, it has its own unique gameplay system and mechanics that set it apart from these other games. With its innovative resource management system and engaging gameplay, Ark Nova is quickly becoming one of the best board games on the market.
Pros and Cons
Ark Nova is a unique and innovative art project that has been praised for its creativity and originality. But, there are both pros and cons to this project that should be considered.
Pros
One of the main appeals of Ark Nova is its sheer scale and complexity. The inflatable structure is a massive undertaking and a testament to human ingenuity and technical skill. The project is a true marvel of engineering and design, and it is sure to capture the imagination of anyone who sees it.
Another pro of Ark Nova is its ability to bring people together. The project is designed to be a mobile concert hall, and it has already been used to host some events across Japan. By providing a unique and engaging space for people to come together and enjoy music, Ark Nova is helping to foster a sense of community and connection.
Finally, Ark Nova is an excellent example of how art can be used to promote social and cultural change. The project was created in response to the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and it serves as a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
Cons
One potential downside of Ark Nova is its complexity. The project is incredibly intricate and requires a great deal of technical expertise to design and build. This means that it may be difficult to replicate in other parts of the world, which could limit its impact.
Another potential con is the cost of the project. While the exact cost of Ark Nova is not publicly known, it is likely that it was a significant investment. This means that it may not be workable for other organizations or governments to undertake similar projects.
Finally, some may argue that Ark Nova is not accessible enough. While the project is designed to be mobile, it still requires a significant amount of infrastructure to set up and operate. This means that it may not be able to reach all the communities that could enjoy it.
Ark Nova is a fascinating and thought-provoking project that has both pros and cons. While it is not without its challenges, it is an impressive example of how art can be used to inspire and unite people.
Final Verdict
After thoroughly reviewing Ark Nova, it is safe to say that the game is a solid addition to the board game market. The game offers a unique and challenging game play experience that will appeal to fans of strategy games.
The endgame scoring system is well-balanced and rewards players for strategic planning and efficient resource management. The scoring system also ensures that no player is left behind, as even players who may not have accumulated as many points throughout the game still have a chance to catch up in the final rounds.
Ark Nova is priced for the quality of the game and the components included. While it may not be the cheapest game on the market, it is well worth the investment for those who enjoy strategy games and are looking for a new challenge.
Ark Nova review highlights the game’s strengths and weaknesses in a clear and concise manner. The game is highly recommended for those who enjoy complex strategy games with a unique theme and challenging game play.