Ark Nova: Marine Worlds

Ark Nova: Marine Worlds is an expansion for the board game Ark Nova, focusing on the establishment and management of marine-themed exhibits within existing zoological parks. The expansion introduces a new layer of complexity to the base game by requiring players to strategically incorporate marine animals, categorized as either reef dwellers or open ocean species, into their zoos. Specific considerations include the construction of appropriate enclosures, adjacency to water features, and the unique abilities triggered by the inclusion of reef dwelling animals. The thematic focus is on expanding the scope of wildlife conservation to encompass marine ecosystems. Gameplay mechanics in Ark Nova: Marine Worlds involve the introduction of new cards featuring wave icons, impacting hand management through a discard and replenish mechanic. A new university and associated special universities add strategic depth to the research aspect of the game, influencing card acquisition and bonus acquisition. The expansion also provides alternate versions of existing action cards and additional bonus tiles and scoring cards, increasing variability and asymmetry between player experiences. Finally, new components such as alternate wooden trackers and animal markers provide a visually distinct component to the expanded game.