Naova (2016)

About this game

Players in Naova use their cards to fight one another, but the challenge comes in knowing what to play when. Each round, each player starts with a hand of six cards with values 0-4; some of the cards have special powers that take effect if the card is played during the proper phase in the round. To start the round, each player simultaneously reveals one card of their choice. If only a single player has the highest card, then that player collects all of the cards played; if not, then all tied players reveal two cards of their choice from their hand. Once again, a clear winner collects of the cards that have been played, while tied players play their final three cards to see who wins the whole shebang. The game ends when the deck runs out. Each card collected is worth one point, while the Naova card is worth 10 extra points. Whoever has the most points wins!

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 2 to 6.
• Rules load. At 1.0/5 this is a light game — explain it in a few minutes, good for a table that has not played much.
• Age. The publisher suggests 10 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.