I kind of took a chance on this game; I knew it was rated high on BGG, I read more positive than negative reviews, and I knew the theme was something I would enjoy. I'm definitely glad I did take a chance on it. I'm very happy Ark Nova is a part of my collection. It's such a feel good, fun game to play.
Well worth the extra price, other sleeves are far too thin and low quality.
Obsession: Upstairs, Downstairs (Canada only, see notes for US customers)
This is a great little 30 minute card drafting, tableau building, resource management game that plays through 3 phases (decks). It sets up quick in a couple minutes for any player count 1-6 and the Archmage Kickstarter version has wonderful wooden components, high quality poker chip style magic discipline tokens. The cardboard is also nice and thick and the card quality and art is thematic but repetitive. A lot of people have complained about the abacus quality but I think they are fine and a novel idea. The only thing that is odd is how and where the player boards fold which could be an issue over time.
Overall I’d give this game an 8 out of 10 for what it is and the crunchy decisions it offers you for such a simple concept and its player count range and it’s very addictive solo play. It’s a keeper :)