Zoo-ography: The Card Game (2020) Board Game

Zoo-ography: The Card Game is a board game released in 2020 designed by Marc Hampson. The game revolves around abstract strategy, animals, card drafting, city building, and puzzle elements. Players are tasked with creating their own zoo by strategically collecting and placing animal cards to match specific patterns.

Game Components of Zoo-ography: The Card Game

Game Board: New and improved in the second edition.

Player Boards: Updated for the second edition.

Tiles: For building habitats and attractions.

Animal Cards: Representing diverse animals from various regions.

Animeeples: Over 75 silk-screened animal meeples.

Objective Cards: Variable objectives for each game.

Challenging Layout Cards: Add new levels to the game.

Sponsor Coins: For unique sponsored animals.

Renovation Tokens: For upgrading the zoo.

Boat Cards: For animal arrivals.

How To Setup Zoo-ography: The Card Game

Setting up Zoo-ography involves preparing the game board, distributing the player boards, shuffling and dealing the objective cards, and arranging the tile pool. Players start by drafting tiles to build habitats and attractions. Each player has a personal board to track their progress and objectives.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics:
– Open Drafting
– Pattern Building
– Set Collection
– Tile Placement
– Solo / Solitaire Game

Objective:
– Build a zoo that meets the city’s needs by balancing animal habitats, attractions, biodiversity, and aesthetics.
– Earn up to 10 stars by achieving specific goals in these areas.

Player Experience

In Zoo-ography, players engage in a strategic and somewhat abstract game of zoo design. They must draft tiles to construct habitats and attractions, manage the arrival of animals, and ensure the zoo remains appealing to visitors. The game supports 1-4 players, including solo play, and typically lasts about 30 minutes.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Combines tile placement, set collection, and pattern building for a challenging yet engaging experience.

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

High Replayability: Variable objectives and multiple paths to victory ensure each game is unique.

Solo Play Option: Offers a satisfying solo experience with different challenges.

Cons

Complexity: Rated 200 in complexity, which might be overwhelming for casual players.

Setup Time: Requires some time to set up all the components.

Personal Thoughts on Zoo-ography: The Card Game

Zoo-ography is ideal for players who enjoy strategic planning, city-building, and animal-themed games. It is particularly suitable for families and gamers looking for a game that balances complexity with fun and accessibility. While it may have a steep learning curve, the game’s depth and replayability make it a rewarding experience for those who enjoy abstract strategy and puzzle-solving.

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