ANIMAL KINGDOMS
Designer: Steven Aramini | Publisher: Galactic Raptor Games
Every kingdom has laws which must be followed without exception by anyone who steps across its borders. In Animal Kingdoms, many such laws exist. ‘Only frogs and wolf’, ‘only odd rank animals’ or ‘only animals not present in other kingdoms’. However, the rulers of these kingdoms are flexible with their own laws, which they change every age. In any other context, such behaviour would be found questionable, but in Animal Kingdoms, a family-oriented areacontrol card game, there is no need to think too deeply into the theme.
It is very light and is used mostly as an excuse to have gorgeous animal artwork on the cards.
In Animal Kingdoms, players are vying for control of the five kingdoms to earn victory points over the three rounds – or ages – of the game. To add their presence to an area, they must play a card out of their hand that satisfies the condition (some of which were mentioned earlier) of the kingdom. These are broad enough that players always have a choice to contribute to one of the areas on the board, but are also restricting enough, that they also need to stop and consider their options. They won’t have to think for too long, however, because Animal Kingdoms is not a strategy heavy game. Purposefully designed for the whole family to enjoy, it gives enough of the challenge to keep players interested, but not too much to over-stay its welcome.
The biggest let down of the game, especially one so pretty, is the component quality. The cards are thin, the cardboard on the slotted game boards begins peeling after the first few plays and the cubes are roughly made and painted. A real shame considering that Animal Kingdoms feels perfect for frequent play as it is easy to set up, has high replayability and a wide appeal to different gaming groups.
ALEXANDRA SONECHKINA
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