Welcome to Parks, where every trail leads to new marvels, every stream runs with new life, every sun sets over a new memory, and every mountain looms with new possibility as you explore the stunning beauty and wild wonders of the 63 U.S. National Parks.
This expanded, enhanced second edition of the best-selling game features all-new illustrations by artists Josh Emrich and Lisk Feng, offers new gameplay elements from designer Henry Audubon, and incorporates the most interesting ideas from each of the Parks games and expansions: the additional camping module from Parks: Nightfall, the animal integrations from Parks: Wildlife, and a comprehensive selection of players’ favorite gear, challenges, and mechanics from the five-year history of Parks (along with some new surprises).
Over the course of three rounds (called Seasons), your two hikers will make their way along the path, stopping at trail sites, collecting resources to visit parks, taking photos of beautiful vistas, and encountering wildlife. Along the way, you’ll get gear to upgrade your experience, spend a night at a campsite, fill your canteen for special bonuses, and indulge your unique passion for the outdoors.
At the end of the third Season, the hike (and the game) is over! Count up your points and see who had the greatest experience in Acadia, Grand Teton, Mount Rainier, Crater Lake, Everglades, Denali, Canyonlands, and all the rest of our national parks.
Grab your pack and lace up your boots. The trail awaits!
—description from the publisher
- beautiful production; thematic revival with second edition
- notes on accessibility depending on player group
- nature, conservation; visiting parks
- National park-themed
- engine/track-based progression with park visits
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- card-driven scoring — cards influence scoring and park placement
- set-collection / track progression — players push along a track to reach endgame bonuses while visiting parks
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- Number 50 for me is a Vital Lerta game. A big cool thematic experience about what happens after a heist. This is Escape Plan.
- Invincible is my number 50.
- San Juan's one of my favorites; I love how those buildings synergize with crops and selling them.
- Spectral is one of those deduction games where you're just trying to avoid the curse and getting gems out there.
- This is one of those classic polyomino games. My favorite in the genre. This is Baron Park.
- Twilight Inscription is infinitely expandable.
- Adrenaline is a bit of everything: euro, shooter vibe, and tense last-hits moments.
- Robinson Crusoe—cooperative survival with fantastic stories.
References (from this video)
- Beautiful aesthetics
- polished improvement over Parks
- Not strictly necessary upgrade for all players
- nature exploration and park systems
- National Parks, outdoor landscapes
- Parks
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- personal_goals — Personal goals grant power or endgame bonuses.
- tile-placement — Placement of camps and national park tiles to gain points.
Video topics + discussion points
Quotes (from this video)
- it's easy to welcome new players and teach games
- board game nights can be welcoming even for newcomers
- it's not that stigmatized to be a board gamer
- form communities that you want to see in the world