Zooscape (2015) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Zooscape is a fun and engaging board game released in 2015 by Arclight Games. Designed by Hisashi Hayashi, the game is all about collecting animals and creating the best zoo possible. With beautiful artwork by Katy Lipscomb, Michael Menzel, and Ryo Nyamo, Zooscape offers a visually appealing experience for players of all ages.

Game Components of Zooscape

Zookeeper cards (First and Second)

Zoo Manager card

Clipboard card

Zoo Gate card

Animal cards (various types)

Fish cards (used as substitutes when other cards are unavailable)

Deck of cards split into five separate decks based on the number of players.

How To Setup Zooscape

To set up Zooscape, separate the Fish cards from the rest and place them in a stack. Each player takes a “First” and “Second” Zookeeper card, with the extra cards returned to the box. The player who most recently “escaped” from a zoo becomes the Zoo Manager and receives the Zoo Manager, Clipboard, and Zoo Gate cards. The remaining cards are shuffled and separated into five decks, with the number of cards in each deck depending on the number of players. The unused cards are returned to the box.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Phases: Each round consists of three phases – Splitting the Cards, Chasing Animals, and Cleanup.

Splitting the Cards: The Zoo Manager splits the cards into two groups, placing the Zoo Gate card between them and the Clipboard card in one of the groups.

Chasing Animals: Players secretly choose a group using their Zookeeper cards. If only one player chooses a group, they get all the cards from that group. If multiple players choose the same group, it is split further.

Cleanup: Players who received cards add them to their collection. The player with the Clipboard card gets the cards underneath it and becomes the new Zoo Manager for the next round.

Objective: The goal is to collect the most valuable set of animal cards by the end of five rounds.

Player Experience

In Zooscape, players take on the roles of zookeepers trying to capture escaped animals. The game is known for its simple yet strategic gameplay, making it accessible to a wide range of players. The rounds are quick, lasting about 15-30 minutes in total, which keeps the game engaging and fast-paced. Players need to make tactical decisions about which groups of cards to choose, adding a layer of strategy to the game.

Pros

Quick Gameplay: Rounds are short, making the entire game last about 15-30 minutes.

Simple to Learn: Easy to understand rules, suitable for new players.

Strategic Depth: Requires tactical thinking in choosing card groups.

Fun Theme: Engaging animal-themed gameplay.

Cons

Luck Element: The splitting of cards can introduce an element of luck.

Limited Complexity: May not be challenging enough for experienced gamers.

Personal Thoughts on Zooscape

Zooscape is ideal for families, casual gamers, and those looking for a light, fun card game. It’s perfect for introducing new players to strategic card games due to its simple mechanics and short gameplay. However, experienced gamers might find it lacking in complexity and depth. Overall, it’s a great addition to any board game collection for its ease of play and enjoyable theme.

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