5×5 Zoo (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

5×5 Zoo is a board game released in 2020, designed by Ryo Nyamo and featuring artwork by OKAZU Brand. It falls under the categories of Animals, City Building, and Puzzle, with gameplay mechanics such as Action Drafting, Closed Drafting, Contracts, Map Reduction, Network and Route Building.

Game Components of 5×5 Zoo

Game Board: A 5×5 grid where players build their zoos.

Animal Tiles: Six types of animal tiles that players place on the board.

Player Boards: Each player has their own board for building their zoo.

Rulebook: Instructions for setting up and playing the game.

How To Setup 5×5 Zoo

To set up the game, each player receives a 5×5 game board. The animal tiles are shuffled and placed within reach of all players. Players start with an empty board, and the objective is to fill it with the animal tiles according to the game’s rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Tile Placement: Players take turns placing animal tiles on their 5×5 grid.

Pattern Building: The goal is to create a cohesive and well-organized zoo by placing tiles in specific patterns.

Strategic Planning: Players must plan ahead to ensure their zoo meets the game’s criteria for scoring.

Objective: The game aims to challenge players to create the most efficient and attractive zoo possible within the 5×5 grid.

Player Experience

Playing **5×5 Zoo** is a delightful and challenging experience, especially for those who enjoy puzzle and strategy games. Each game session, which typically lasts around 45 minutes, involves careful planning and strategic placement of animal tiles. The game supports 1-4 players, making it an excellent choice for solo play or small group gatherings.

Pros

Engaging Gameplay: The tile placement mechanic keeps players engaged and thinking strategically.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players of various ages and skill levels.

Compact: The game is easy to store and transport due to its small size.

Replayability: The random tile draw ensures different game experiences each time.

Cons

Limited Complexity: Some players may find the gameplay too simple or repetitive.

Luck Element: The random draw of tiles can sometimes hinder strategic plans.

Personal Thoughts on 5×5 Zoo

**5×5 Zoo** is ideal for those who enjoy light to medium-weight strategy games and are looking for a game that is easy to learn but challenging to master. It’s a great choice for families or casual gamers who want to spend a fun and engaging 45 minutes building their own unique zoos. While it may not appeal to hardcore gamers seeking high complexity, it offers a satisfying and enjoyable experience for its intended audience.

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