Ark (2005) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Ark is a board game that was released in 2005 by designers Doris Matthäus and Frank Nestel. The game is centered around animals and has religious themes, as players take on the role of Noah building an ark to save the animals from the flood. The game has received mixed reviews over the years, with some praising its unique theme and gameplay mechanics, while others criticizing its complexity and lack of replay value.

Game Components of Ark

Game board

Animal tiles

Resource tiles

Action tiles

Player markers

Rulebook

How To Setup Ark

Place the game board in the center of the table.

Shuffle the animal tiles and place them face down on the designated area on the board.

Shuffle the resource tiles and place them face down on the designated area on the board.

Each player chooses a color and takes the corresponding player markers.

Place the player markers on the starting spaces on the board.

Shuffle the action tiles and place them face down on the designated area on the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Ark, players take turns drafting animal and resource tiles to build their ark. They must manage their resources efficiently and strategically in order to collect the most pairs of animals and score the most points. The game ends when all animal tiles have been drafted, and the player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

Pros

Unique theme with religious undertones

Strategic gameplay with set collection mechanics

Engaging player interaction

Cons

Complex rules and gameplay may be overwhelming for some players

Limited replay value due to fixed setup and strategy options

Personal Thoughts on Ark

Ark is a game that offers a unique theme and interesting gameplay mechanics. However, its complexity and limited replay value may not appeal to all players. The build quality of the components is decent, and the game is priced reasonably for what it offers. Availability of the game may vary, but it can usually be found in specialty board game stores or online retailers. Players who enjoy strategic games with set collection mechanics may find Ark worth their time, but those looking for more replayability or simpler gameplay may want to skip it. Alternatives to Ark include other tile-placement games with similar mechanics, such as Carcassonne or Isle of Skye.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.