86

Ark Nova is a zoo-building game where players plan and design a modern, scientifically managed zoological garden. Players balance animal welfare, visitor satisfaction, and conservation projects while managing action cards with varying strength levels. The game features over 200 unique animal cards and combines tactical hand management with long-term strategic planning.

86

The Verdict

based on 70 reviews

Positive 0%
Mixed 0%
Negative 0%
Clever action-card system with rising action strength
Satisfying engine-building and card combos
Strong zoo and conservation theme
High replayability and strategic depth
Long playtime and sluggish endgame
Luck from the huge card deck
Heavy iconography and steep learning curve
Low player interaction and downtime
100
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Board Game QuestArticle

Ark Nova has become the reviewer's favorite game, blending tactical card play, zoo construction, and engaging action-selection mechanisms despite minor flaws in player scaling and endgame scoring.

100
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
The Broken Meeple, The Broken MeepleVideo

“Ah you aren't nova you have saved 2021 from being a bit of a lackluster year frankly it's you know there are very few games i can think of this year that i gave a 10 to but this is one of them yeah arden over 10 out of 10. this game is brilliant”(24:40)

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Man vs Meeple, Man vs Meeple (David Waybright and Ryan Schoon)Video

Man vs Meeple found Ark Nova to be a highly engaging and well-designed zoo-building game, offering deep strategic gameplay through its action selection and card-driven engine, making it a truly attractive and enjoyable experience.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Chairman of the Board, Chairman of the BoardVideo

“Would i recommend arc nova and the answer is 100 yes this game is fantastic so much to explore here just enjoyment from the get-go satisfying euro mechanisms you know tracks all that good stuff”(23:47)

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
GideonsGaming, Gaming GideonVideo

The reviewer highly praises Ark Nova as a brilliantly cohesive game with excellent combo play, engine building, and variety, stating it significantly improves upon and has largely replaced Terraforming Mars for them. They highlight its strategic depth, clear information, and engaging action system.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Getting Games, GideonVideo

The reviewer highly praises Ark Nova as a cohesive game with brilliant inner workings, highlighting its excellent combo play, engine building, and strategic depth. They consider it a direct improvement over Terraforming Mars, though they note the solo mode is not particularly thrilling.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Gideon's Gaming, Gaming GideonArticle

Ark Nova offers a deeply satisfying and fast-flowing heavy strategic experience, successfully improving upon and replacing Terraforming Mars for the reviewer through its clever action-card system and engaging zoo-building puzzle.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Before You Play, Monique and Naveen (Before You Play)Video

This video from "Before You Play" is a detailed playthrough and review of the board game Ark Nova. It covers a rules explanation and a complete game session, leading to an overall assessment of the game.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Allies or Enemies, Allies or EnemiesVideo

This video offers a comprehensive review of the board game Ark Nova, discussing its gameplay mechanics, strategic depth, and overall player experience. It likely covers both the positive aspects and potential drawbacks of the game.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Totally Tabled, ShaggyVideo

The reviewer found Ark Nova's solo mode to be very effective, allowing for a quick and less complicated gameplay experience than expected, which they really enjoyed.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Boardgame Opinions, GideonsGamingVideo

This video offers a comprehensive review of the physical board game Ark Nova, delving into its mechanics, target audience, and an analysis of its strengths and weaknesses. The review also discusses the game's high praise and compares it to Terraforming Mars.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Nerds of the West, Nerds of the WestVideo

This video provides a review of the board game Ark Nova, comparing it to Terraforming Mars to determine if it is a superior game. The review discusses various aspects of Ark Nova as a zoo-building euro game.

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