Drôles de Zèbres (2004) Board Game

Drôles de Zèbres is a board game designed by Bruno Cathala and published by Asmodee in in 2004. The game falls under the category of Abstract Strategy and features animal-themed gameplay, with players strategizing to place tiles on the board.

Game Components of Drôles de Zèbres

Game board

Player tokens

Area control markers

Tourist cards

Park attraction tiles

How To Setup Drôles de Zèbres

To set up the game, players first lay out the game board, which represents the national park. Each player chooses their tokens and places them on designated starting positions. The area control markers, tourist cards, and park attraction tiles are shuffled and placed within reach of both players. The objective is to create an attractive park layout that will draw the most tourists.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

No-Luck Mechanics: The game does not involve any random elements, making it a strategic challenge.

Area-Majority: Players compete to control and develop different areas of the park.

Objective: The goal is to attract the most tourists by creating the most appealing park layout.

Turn-Based: Players take turns placing tokens, laying out attraction tiles, and using tourist cards to influence the park’s popularity.

Player Experience

**Drôles de Zèbres** offers a engaging and strategic experience for two players. The game requires careful planning and tactical execution, as players must balance the development of different park areas to maximize their appeal to tourists. The absence of luck elements ensures that the outcome is entirely based on player strategy.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game provides a challenging and thoughtful experience.

Short Playtime: Games typically last about 23 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying play.

No Randomness: Players have complete control over their actions and outcomes.

Simple to Learn: The rules are straightforward, but the gameplay is complex enough to be engaging.

Cons

Limited Player Count: The game is designed exclusively for two players, which may limit its appeal for larger groups.

Replayability: While strategic, the game’s scope might be too narrow for some players, potentially reducing replay value.

Personal Thoughts on Drôles de Zèbres

**Drôles de Zèbres** is ideal for players who enjoy strategic board games without the element of luck. It is a great choice for couples or friends who want a quick, yet intellectually stimulating game session. Given its short playtime and simple setup, it is also a good introduction to area-majority games for new players. However, it may not be the best fit for those looking for games that accommodate larger player groups or seek games with more variability in gameplay.

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.