Animal Circus (2019) Board Game

Animal Circus is a board game released in 2019 by Jumping Turtle Games. Designed by Arvid Klaverstijn and featuring artwork by David Furnal, this game combines elements of animals, card games, and party games in a fun and engaging package.

Game Components of Animal Circus

Cards: Various animal cards with unique abilities and effects.

Score Pile: For tracking victory points.

Draw Pile: For drawing cards during the game.

Ring Cards: Representing the circus rings where animals are played.

How To Setup Animal Circus

To set up the game, each player starts by drawing a set of cards. The draw pile is created, and each player begins with a hand of cards. The game does not require complex setup, making it easy to start playing quickly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: To possess the animal with the best performance at the end of each round and collect the most victory points.

Gameplay:
– Players take turns playing animal cards into the circus rings.
– Each animal card has a specific ability or effect, such as immediately earning victory points, forcing an opponent to give up cards, or allowing the reuse of an ability.
– The game ends when the draw pile is depleted, and the player with the most victory points wins.

Player Experience

Animal Circus is designed for the whole family, offering a fun and interactive experience. The game is easy to learn but requires strategic thinking to maximize the effects of the animal cards. The unique abilities of each animal add a layer of complexity and excitement, making each round unpredictable and engaging.

Pros

Family-Friendly: Suitable for players aged 8 and above.

Strategic Depth: Unique abilities and effects on cards require thoughtful play.

Interactive: Encourages player interaction through card effects.

Quick Games: Games last between 30-40 minutes, making it a great fill-in game.

Cons

Luck Element: The draw of cards can significantly impact the outcome.

Complexity for Younger Players: Some younger players might find the various card effects confusing.

Replayability: While the game is fun, the randomness of the draw can make some games feel repetitive.

Personal Thoughts on Animal Circus

Animal Circus is ideal for families and casual gamers looking for a light-hearted yet engaging game. It’s perfect for those who enjoy card games with unique mechanics and strategic elements. However, it may not be the best fit for serious gamers seeking complex, long-term strategy games. Overall, it provides a delightful and entertaining experience that is easy to pick up and play.

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