BoardGame Verdict
89

Parks Second Edition is a celebration of the U.S. National Parks where players explore all 63 national parks through hiking and collecting memories. This enhanced second edition features all-new artwork, expanded gameplay with camping modules, and incorporates the best elements from five years of Parks expansions with new bonuses, wildlife, and gear.

89

The Verdict

based on 15 reviews

Positive 0%
Streamlined and refined gameplay that is more accessible without sacrificing depth.
High-quality components and excellent storage solutions that improve setup and teardown.
A cohesive and stunning new art style that is consistent throughout the game.
Thoughtful integration of elements from the original game's expansions.
Improved player boards and intuitive new mechanics like the revamped canteen system.
The new art style is divisive, with some players preferring the licensed artwork of the original.
The cost may be a deterrent for owners of the first edition, as the core gameplay remains similar.
Some feel the streamlined experience loses a bit of the depth and variability of the first edition with its expansions.
100
Meeple Mountain, Abram TowleArticle

Parks (Second Edition) treads over familiar footprints while confidently stepping off the beaten path to blaze its own trail, firmly planting a flag at the summit of the board game hobby.

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95
The Dice Tower, Camilla and ZeeVideo

The Dice Tower reviewers highly recommend Parks Second Edition, praising it as a streamlined 'best hits' version that incorporates the best elements from the original game and its expansions, resulting in engaging, tactical, and rewarding gameplay with fantastic production.

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90
Board Game Quest, KerryArticleTop List

The newest iteration of Parks has me bringing it to the table regularly for a relatively quick visit through the National Park cards. Whether playing with a group or playing solo, this game brings me joy.

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90
Big Boss Battle (B3), Matthew SmailArticle

Overall, it isn’t revolutionary, but it’s a small and modest box that contains a beautiful game both in terms of aesthetics and gameplay. It’s simple enough to learn quickly, but it has enough additional complexity to attract hobby gamers as well as novices.

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90
BoardGameCo, Camilla and Zee (The Dice Tower)ArticleTop List

The reviewer praised Parks (Second Edition) for its streamlined rules and approachability, which elevate the game without sacrificing its intricate, well-designed feel, incorporating fantastic design decisions from expansions.

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90
Bad At Boardgames, Brad and AuraVideo

The reviewers consider Parks to be a great addition to their board game collection, recommending it as an enjoyable experience for others.

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90
One Board Family, Ryan GutowskiArticle

The game is super. No need for lows at all, especially art.. I mean, without art this game would be nothing! Let’s stop the critique on art!

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90
Tim Chuon, Tim ChuonVideo

The reviewer highly recommends 'Parks (Second Edition)', noting its significant improvements in streamlining gameplay, faster pacing, and enhanced interaction compared to the first edition. He praises the updated artwork as bright and vibrant, and considers the new player boards a major advantage, making the game cleaner, more organized, and visually appealing.

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90
Tabletop Bellhop, Moe T (Tabletop Bellhop)ArticleTop List

The Tabletop Bellhop highly regards Parks (Second Edition) for its elegant gameplay, stunning updated artwork, and refined rules, considering it a superior and highly replayable iteration of the game.

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90
Board of it, Tally and FarrellVideo

The reviewer finds 'Parks' to be a charming and delightful worker placement and resource management game with stunning artwork and components, describing it as a must-have for collections, especially when paired with the Nightfall expansion to enhance complexity and address minor issues.

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90
GamesReviews.com, Adam RoffelArticle

Cohesion is the name of the game here, and Keymaster has done a great job of making Parks feel like a game released in 2025.

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85
3 Minute Board GamesVideo

The reviewer finds 'Parks (Second Edition)' to be a significant improvement over the original, feeling much better as a game with more meaningful decisions. It's highlighted as a wonderful game for families or couples, praised for its fantastic new art and overall presentation, though it may not offer enough depth for highly competitive players.

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85
Board Game Hangover, Jānis and JānisVideo

The reviewers consider "Parks (Second Edition)" a very well-put-together and fantastic game, particularly for more than two players, praising its beautiful aesthetics, immersive theme of a meditative walk through a park, and its adjustable depth that accommodates both relaxed and strategic gameplay. While one reviewer loved its decisions and looks, they personally didn't feel a strong pull to play it often, sometimes viewing it more as a collector's item.

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80
IGN, Matthew AdlerArticle

Parks (2nd Edition) isn’t just a visual treat, it’s a finely tuned experience that keeps you engaged season after season. Whether you’re a returning hiker or hitting the trail for the first time, this edition is the best way to explore the National Parks from your tabletop.

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80
There Will Be Games, Wade MonnigArticle

There is a ton to love about this title and one of those things is that a donation is made to the National Park Service for each game sold. Top notch production, incredible artwork and all-around quality makes it seem destined to be a well-deserved hit.

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