Nimalia (2023) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Nimalia is a board game released in 2023 by La Boîte de Jeu, designed by William Liévin and illustrated by Pauline Detraz. The game falls under the categories of Animals, Environmental, and Territory Building, catering to players aged 10 and above. With a runtime of 25-30 minutes and accommodating 2-4 players, Nimalia offers an engaging gameplay experience with its unique mechanisms and strategic gameplay.

Game Components of Nimalia

Overlapping cards, each featuring 4 biomes with an animal in each biome

Objective cards for each round

Player boards for tracking progress

Scoring markers

How To Setup Nimalia

To set up Nimalia, each player starts with a blank 6×6 grid player board. The deck of biome cards is shuffled, and each player draws a starting hand. The objective cards for the rounds are placed within reach of all players. The game is ready to begin once all players understand the objectives and the starting hands are distributed.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Card Drafting: Players draw 3 cards each round and select one to place in their sanctuary, passing the others to the next player.

Territory Building: Players build their sanctuary by placing cards, ensuring at least one biome is covered each time.

Objective-Based Scoring: Each round has different objectives; players modify their sanctuary to meet these objectives to score points.

Strategy: Players must balance the placement of animals and biomes to maximize their score.

Game Duration: The game consists of 5 rounds, with the player scoring the most points declared the winner.

Player Experience

Nimalia offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience, combining strategic card placement with the need to adapt to changing objectives each round. Players enjoy the challenge of creating a harmonious animal sanctuary while competing against others. The game’s short playtime of 25-30 minutes makes it an excellent choice for family game nights or quick gaming sessions.

Pros

High Replayability: Different objectives each game ensure a fresh experience every time.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to a wide range of players.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 10+, making it a great game for families.

Short Playtime: Ideal for those looking for a quick, engaging game.

Cons

Learning Objectives: Some players might find it initially challenging to understand the various objective cards.

Limited Depth: Some reviewers find it less engaging for repeated play in the same night or week.

Personal Thoughts on Nimalia

Nimalia is perfect for families and casual gamers who enjoy strategic yet light-hearted games. It combines elements of territory building and card drafting, making it appealing to fans of games like Kingdomino and Draftosaurus. The game’s theme of creating an animal sanctuary adds a layer of educational value and fun, making it a great addition to any board game collection.

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.