Glad to see Kavango getting some love by you! I feel like this fits right into the Stonemaier style games. My wife is a huge fan of Wingspan (and now Wyrmspan) and when I saw this on KS, I knew immediately that it needed to be backed. I figured I would eventually see you get your hands on it. I also really love taking advantage of the sanctuary, especially if you see an animal you need for your end game goal (or even in round goal) but can't quite meet its requirements at that moment. And of course the drafting/simultaneous play is fantastic for almost no downtime for each player.
One of my top games of the year. Perfect for the welcoming game, and so beautiful. Met the designer at UKGE this year and he was passionate, insightful, and so engaging. This has the opportunity to be a HUGE game I feel, it’s so accessible, but with plenty of choice. A real beauty.
Lucky enough to back this whilst planning holiday to Botswana. Lovely way to relive our trip playing the game with the sights we saw..so far too emotionally engaged to be honest in an opinion but this scratches the wingspan and ark nova itch but is quicker (if a table hog). The downside with the santuary mechanism is however its that some powers allow you to move the animals from one players sanctuary to your own mat (sort of stealing my wife beloved elephant card). Ie take that and that is like the asteroids in TFM, gives an occasional taste of bile in a otherwise very welcoming game. House rule could fix. Thanks Jeremy for showcasing this fantastic game.
I'm glad you covered this, Jamie. I got this on kickstarter. I feel like it's gone under the radar a bit for most people, but it's an excellent game with quality production (think they used Panda, like you do). I really like the slots they have for the cards on the player boards to prevent movement.
I've played this game several times and not once has anyone paid $4m for a rewilding card. The better way to get a rewilding card is to play the Restoration Action Card. I've found that money is very tight in this game and $4m is a lot to pay for a rewilding card. The other cool thing about this game is the asymmetric Conservation Expert card that provides each player a special ability. The key to doing well in the game is making sure to meet the requirements for the three 10 point end game bonuses.
It is definitely lighter than Ark Nova, though there's still a lot to think about. There are some options to leave out certain elements your first game to make it simpler.
Glad to see Kavango getting some love by you! I feel like this fits right into the Stonemaier style games. My wife is a huge fan of Wingspan (and now Wyrmspan) and when I saw this on KS, I knew immediately that it needed to be backed. I figured I would eventually see you get your hands on it.
I also really love taking advantage of the sanctuary, especially if you see an animal you need for your end game goal (or even in round goal) but can't quite meet its requirements at that moment.
And of course the drafting/simultaneous play is fantastic for almost no downtime for each player.
One of my top games of the year. Perfect for the welcoming game, and so beautiful. Met the designer at UKGE this year and he was passionate, insightful, and so engaging. This has the opportunity to be a HUGE game I feel, it’s so accessible, but with plenty of choice. A real beauty.
That's really neat that you met the designer!
Maricaibo has a spot for each player to place up to three cards in "reserve" to be built later. Helps with hand size control and strategy.
Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm for the game Jamey! I am waiting for retail release on this, it looks like a lot of fun!
Lucky enough to back this whilst planning holiday to Botswana. Lovely way to relive our trip playing the game with the sights we saw..so far too emotionally engaged to be honest in an opinion but this scratches the wingspan and ark nova itch but is quicker (if a table hog). The downside with the santuary mechanism is however its that some powers allow you to move the animals from one players sanctuary to your own mat (sort of stealing my wife beloved elephant card). Ie take that and that is like the asteroids in TFM, gives an occasional taste of bile in a otherwise very welcoming game. House rule could fix. Thanks Jeremy for showcasing this fantastic game.
That's great timing for your trip! --Jamey
I'm glad you covered this, Jamie. I got this on kickstarter. I feel like it's gone under the radar a bit for most people, but it's an excellent game with quality production (think they used Panda, like you do). I really like the slots they have for the cards on the player boards to prevent movement.
Me too! My Kickstarter copy just arrived a week or so ago. I don't have the deluxe version, but those corner slots are a clever addition.
I've played this game several times and not once has anyone paid $4m for a rewilding card. The better way to get a rewilding card is to play the Restoration Action Card. I've found that money is very tight in this game and $4m is a lot to pay for a rewilding card.
The other cool thing about this game is the asymmetric Conservation Expert card that provides each player a special ability.
The key to doing well in the game is making sure to meet the requirements for the three 10 point end game bonuses.
I agree that it's a lot, but I actually like the cost, as it feels like a steal when you use an action card to get a rewilding card instead.
Great! Would you say this game is lighter/more accessible than Ark Nova?
It is definitely lighter than Ark Nova, though there's still a lot to think about. There are some options to leave out certain elements your first game to make it simpler.
@@jameystegmaier Sounds awesome. I could never wrap my head around Ark Nova's decision space. Kavango looks intriguing!
much lighter and quicker. Nice art and table presence if large