Zoo Vadis
- Players
- 3-7
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 5 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 40 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 10+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.1 / 5
- Year
- 2023
About the game
Zoo Vadis reimagines Reiner Knizia's classic negotiation game Quo Vadis, letting 3-7 players lead animal species campaigning for a spot in the star exhibit. Species climb a hierarchy of enclosures through crafty negotiation, bribery, and voting, earning laurels from fans and rivals along the way. Roaming bribable peacocks help balance the game across player counts, while asymmetric animal abilities and a second board for larger groups expand the strategic options. The game ends the instant the Star Exhibit fills, and whoever has the most laurels becomes Zoo Mascot. It's a vibrant, politically charged negotiation game with playful zoo theming.
Hobbli's Notes
Zoo Vadis takes a beloved negotiation classic and gives it a fresh, colorful coat of paint without losing its clever political core. The bribable peacocks are a smart addition that smooths out awkward player counts. Great for groups who enjoy table talk and don't mind a bit of last-minute kingmaking.
What we like
- Clever negotiation-driven gameplay wrapped in a playful animal theme.
- Scales impressively well from three to seven players.
- Vibrant, accessible presentation and artwork.
- Quick sessions encourage multiple plays in a row.
Keep in mind
- Heavy reliance on table talk may not suit quieter groups.
- End-game voting can create kingmaking situations.
- Bribery mechanics add an element of unpredictability.
Who it's for
Social gamers aged 10 and up who enjoy negotiation and politics, ideal for larger groups of 5-7.
