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Zoo Vadis (2023) Board Game

ByMichail

Zoo Vadis is a board game released in 2023, designed by Kwanchai Moriya and published by an undisclosed publisher. The game falls under the categories of Animals, Negotiation, and Political themes, making it a unique and engaging experience for players.

Game Components of Zoo Vadis

  • Players:** 3-7
  • Playing Time:** 20-40 minutes
  • Components:** Chunky animal figures, weighted clay poker chips (laurel tokens), thick wooden tiles (animal ability tokens), player screens, two game boards (one for 3-5 players and one for 6-7 players), peacock tokens, zookeeper token, and special laurel tokens.

    How To Setup Zoo Vadis

    To set up *Zoo Vadis*, each player selects an animal token and places it at the entrance of the zoo. The game boards are laid out depending on the player count, and the necessary components such as laurel tokens, peacock tokens, and the zookeeper token are distributed. Each player receives a player screen with their animal’s unique ability printed on it. The game is ready to start once all players understand the simple rules and their roles.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Negotiation:** Players must negotiate with each other to advance their animal tokens up the board by gaining majority votes from animals in the same space.
  • Voting:** Each animal token in a space counts as one vote; players can offer laurels, future promises, or use their animal’s faction power to secure votes.
  • Actions:** Players can move their animal token, move the zookeeper (allowing tokens to move without a poll but preventing laurel collection), move a peacock (which can be bribed for a vote), or add a new animal token to the board.
  • Objective:** The game ends when the star exhibit is full. The player with the most laurels and an animal token in the star exhibit is declared the winner and becomes the zoo’s next mascot.

    Player Experience

    *Zoo Vadis* offers a highly interactive and dynamic experience, heavily reliant on player negotiation and deal-making. The game fosters an environment where creativity in making deals is limitless, from forming alliances to making ruthless promises. The gameplay is fast-paced, with each turn presenting new opportunities for strategic maneuvering. Player personalities and group dynamics significantly influence the game, making each playthrough unique.

    Pros

  • Simple Ruleset:** Easy to pick up and start playing.
  • Creative Negotiations:** Endless possibilities for deal-making.
  • Rewarding Gameplay:** Heavily rewards negotiation and strategic thinking.
  • High-Quality Production:** Vibrant zoo art, chunky animal figures, and functional player screens.

    Cons

  • Group Dependency:** The experience can vary greatly depending on the group’s willingness to negotiate and make deals.
  • Potential for Kingmaking:** Incorrect rule interpretation or certain player behaviors can lead to kingmaking scenarios.
  • Memory of Player Powers:** The unique abilities of each animal can be hard to remember, especially for new players.

    Personal Thoughts on Zoo Vadis

    *Zoo Vadis* is perfect for those who enjoy negotiation and social interaction in their board games. It is ideal for groups who are comfortable with deal-making and strategic politicking. The game’s short playtime and simple rules make it accessible to a wide range of players, but its depth and complexity will appeal more to experienced gamers who enjoy the nuances of negotiation. However, it may not be the best fit for players who prefer strict rules or less interactive gameplay.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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