Parks (2016) – Board Game Guys

Parks

Parks is a board game with a theme based on the national parks of the United States, published by Keymaster Games in 2019. The game’s art was derived from the Fifty-Nine Parks Print Series. The game focuses on resource management as its principal mechanic and progresses over the course of one year spanning four rounds representing the seasons.

Why is Parks Popular?

Parks has received positive reviews for its beautiful artwork and immersive gameplay. It has won several awards, including the 2020 Golden Geek Award for Best Artwork and Presentation. The game’s theme of exploring and appreciating the natural beauty of the national parks has resonated with many players, making it a popular choice for game night.

Game Components of Parks

Game Board: Featuring a map of the US National Parks

Player Boards: For each player to manage their resources and progress

Hiker Tokens: Representing the players’ hikers

Resource Tokens: Including canteen, binocular, and first aid kit tokens

Park Tiles: Representing different national parks

Year Cards: To track the game’s progress

Trail Stones: Used for scoring

How To Setup Parks

To set up **Parks**, start by placing the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player chooses a player board and places two hiker tokens on the starting space of their board. Shuffle the park tiles and place a set number of them face down on designated spaces on the board. Each player receives a set of resource tokens and a year card. The remaining components are placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Worker Placement: Players place their hiker tokens on the board to collect resources or visit parks.

Set Collection: Gathering sets of park tiles to score points.

Route-Building: Connecting parks to create efficient trails.

Resource Management: Managing canteen, binocular, and first aid kit tokens to facilitate movement and resource collection.

Objective: The goal is to accumulate the most points by visiting parks, collecting resources, and building efficient trails.

Player Experience

Playing **Parks** is a delightful experience that combines strategy with the beauty of nature. Players must balance resource collection with park visits, all while optimizing their trail routes. The game’s artwork and thematic design make it feel like a journey through America’s stunning national parks. Players need to plan ahead, manage their resources carefully, and make tactical decisions to outscore their opponents.

Pros

Beautiful Artwork: The game features stunning illustrations of national parks.

Engaging Gameplay: A mix of worker placement, set collection, and route-building keeps players engaged.

Strategic Depth: Offers a good balance of strategy and luck.

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

Cons

Learning Curve: The rules can be somewhat complex for new players.

Playtime: Games can take around 45-60 minutes, which may be too long for some players.

Luck Factor: The draw of park tiles can introduce some randomness that may affect strategy.

Personal Thoughts on Parks

**Parks** is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys strategic games with a strong thematic element. It is particularly appealing to those who appreciate nature and the outdoors. The game’s balance of mechanics makes it suitable for both casual and experienced gamers. While it may require some time to learn the rules, the rewarding gameplay and beautiful design make it well worth the investment. If you’re looking for a game that combines strategy, aesthetics, and a touch of adventure, **Parks** is an excellent addition to your board game collection.

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