Songbirds (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Songbirds is a board game released in 2016 by designer ゆお (Yuo) and artist ことり寧子 (Kotori Neiko). Published by こっち屋 (Kocchiya), this game falls under the categories of Abstract Strategy, Animals, and Card Game. With a playtime of around 20 minutes and suitable for players aged 8 and up, Songbirds offers a unique gaming experience centered around area majority/influence and hand management mechanics.

Game Components of Songbirds

Bird cards with different colors and numbers

Berry tokens with various point values

Score cards featuring two birds

Owl card with special ability (optional)

Crow card for four-player games (optional)

How To Setup Songbirds

To set up Songbirds, shuffle the berry tokens and place five tokens along the top and five down the left side of the play area. Flip the tokens over to reveal their numbers. Place the two score cards above the berry tokens. Decide whether to include the Owl card, shuffling it with the bird cards if used. For four players, place the crow card in the middle of the forest; for two or three players, shuffle the bird cards and randomly place one in the center. Deal a hand of cards to each player based on the number of players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Area Control: Players place cards in a grid to control rows and columns.

Secret Role: Each player keeps one card hidden to determine their scoring color.

Card Placement: Players place cards adjacent to existing cards in the grid.

Scoring: The color with the highest cumulative volume in a row or column scores the berry token. Players add the volume of their hidden card to the berries collected by their color.

Objective: The player with the highest total score wins the game.

Player Experience

Songbirds offers a light and breezy yet engaging experience. Initially, players make quick moves, but as the game progresses, strategic planning becomes crucial. Each card placement affects both vertical and horizontal scoring, adding layers of complexity. The game requires nimble strategy, as players must balance using high-value cards to score while also influencing the board. The reveal of the final hidden cards adds a layer of suspense and mind games, keeping players on their toes.

Pros

Adorable Artwork: The game features charming and colorful bird illustrations.

Approachable: Easy to learn and play.

Strategic Depth: Offers significant strategic considerations despite simple actions.

Quick Games: Each game lasts about 15 minutes.

Cons

Limited Control in Multiplayer: Control diminishes in three or four-player games.

Repetitive: Some players might find the gameplay repetitive.

Personal Thoughts on Songbirds

Songbirds is ideal for those looking for a casual yet intellectually stimulating card game. It is best played with three players, but it also offers an enjoyable experience in one-on-one matches. The game’s simplicity and depth make it a great choice for both new and experienced players. If you enjoy light, strategic games with a dash of social interaction, Songbirds is a delightful addition to your game collection.

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