Ark Nova
- December 5, 2024
- Dire Wolf
In Ark Nova, players design a modern zoo and support global conservation projects, using cards to build enclosures, accommodate animals, and increase their zoo's appeal and scientific reputation. With 255 unique cards available, players must strategize and upgrade their actions to create the most successful zoo and collect the most conservation points. This digital adaptation of the award-winning 2021 tabletop board game brings the challenging and scientific management aspect to a wider audience.
Reviews
- Great adaptation of the board game with beautiful graphics and a polished user interface.
- The game offers a variety of AI opponents and challenges, providing a fun and engaging experience.
- The tutorial is helpful for new players, and the game plays smoothly with minimal bugs.
- The UI can feel cramped and lacks intuitive navigation, making it difficult to access certain information quickly.
- There are issues with the online multiplayer setup, as it relies on creating/joining lobbies without ranked matchmaking.
- Some players may find the game inaccessible without prior knowledge of the physical board game due to the lack of in-game guidance.
- graphics5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The graphics in this digital board game exceed expectations, featuring clear and pleasant visuals, well-timed animations, and high-quality sound effects. While not the primary focus, the overall aesthetic is surprisingly appealing for an early access version, enhancing the gameplay experience without detracting from it.
“The graphics are prettier than I was expecting.”
“But I was pleasantly surprised by some of the menu graphics and animations.”
“Game flow is smooth, graphics are clear and pleasant, animations are beautiful and perfectly timed so they don't hamper you as you play. The sound effects are crisp and of great quality, and you also get great background music.”
“Digital versions of board games are usually kind of ugly; that's just part of the nature of translating a game played with cardboard tiles into a medium that is capable of sophisticated graphics.”
“It is still a digital board game, so the graphics quality isn't a top priority, but I actually think it looks pretty decent, especially for an early access version.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its smooth mechanics and satisfying sound effects, with a helpful three-step tutorial that aids in understanding the game. However, some users note that their reviews are based on limited early access playtime, indicating that further updates may provide a more comprehensive assessment.
“The included three-step tutorial helped me understand the mechanics of the game.”
“Incredibly smooth gameplay and satisfying sound effects.”
“This review is based on a few hours of gameplay on day one of early access.”
“This review is based on a few hours of gameplay on day 1 of early access.”
“I will update my review after another week or so of gameplay.”
- stability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -100 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Despite the typical issues associated with early access games, this title has been noted for its impressive stability, with users reporting it to be nearly bug-free at launch, which is a pleasant surprise.
“It being nearly bug-free is a welcome surprise considering it just came out.”
“The game runs smoothly without any crashes, which is impressive for a new release.”
“I appreciate how stable the gameplay feels; I haven't encountered any major issues.”
“Most early access games are buggy dumpster fires initially.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players highlight the game's strong replayability, noting its engaging mechanics and the allure that encourages multiple playthroughs.
“After playing a few games, I can see the allure of this game and the high replayability it has to offer.”
- music1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its quality, complementing the smooth gameplay and beautiful animations. Players appreciate the crisp sound effects and the engaging background music that enhances the overall experience.
“The game flow is smooth, the graphics are clear and pleasant, and the animations are beautiful and perfectly timed, enhancing the gameplay experience. The sound effects are crisp and of great quality, complemented by an excellent background music score.”
“The background music perfectly complements the gameplay, creating an immersive atmosphere that keeps you engaged.”
“The sound design, including the music, elevates the overall experience, making every moment in the game feel dynamic and exciting.”