Hashi (2021) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Hashi is a line drawing and route building board game designed by Jeffrey D. Allers and published by Nürnberger-Spielkarten-Verlag in in 2021. The game is inspired by the Japanese puzzle game of the same name, where players must connect islands with bridges following specific rules.

Game Components of Hashi

Player Boards: Double-sided boards with easier “A” side and a more complex “B” side, each featuring 18 islands.

Cards: A deck of 18 cards, each with a numbered island shape and a set of bridges (1-3) depicted on it.

Flags: Blue and red flags on some islands for bonus scoring.

Markers: For writing numbers and drawing bridges on the player boards.

How To Setup Hashi

To set up the game, players mutually agree on which side of the board to use. Each player marks a 3 or 4 on any non-flag island and then hands the board to the player on their left, ensuring everyone starts with an unpredictable and likely different board. The deck of cards is shuffled, and one card is secretly placed in the box, never to be used in the current game. The remaining cards are ready for the game to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Flip-and-Write Mechanics: Players flip over cards to reveal numbers and bridges, which they then write or draw on their boards.

Number Placement: Players can write the revealed number on any free island without a flag or on an island with a flag if a bridge leads to it.

Bridge Placement: Players draw the number of bridges shown on the card between islands, following specific rules to connect them logically.

Scoring: Players score points for completing islands (2 points each), and bonus points for completing flagged islands or connecting six finished islands in a row.

Game Objective: The player with the most points after all 17 cards have been resolved wins the game.

Player Experience

Hashi offers a quick and engaging gameplay experience, lasting about 20 minutes. It is suitable for 1-4 players aged 8 and above. The game combines logical puzzle-solving with a competitive edge, making it appealing to fans of Sudoku, Nonograms, and other logic puzzles. While it can be played solo, the competitive aspect adds an exciting layer when played with multiple players. The game requires strategic thinking and planning, as players need to optimize their bridge placements and number assignments to maximize their score.

Pros

Quick and Engaging: Games are fast-paced and last only about 20 minutes.

Logical Challenge: Combines logical puzzle-solving with a competitive game.

Solo and Multiplayer: Can be enjoyed both solo and with up to four players.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to players of various skill levels.

Cons

Limited Interaction: Described as a “multiplayer solitaire” game, as players mainly focus on their own boards.

Dependence on Logic Puzzles: Players familiar with Hashiwokakero puzzles may have an initial advantage, though this evens out with experience.

Personal Thoughts on Hashi

Hashi is an excellent choice for fans of logic puzzles and those who enjoy roll-and-write or flip-and-write games. It is particularly suitable for players who appreciate strategic thinking and planning. The game’s short playtime and ease of learning make it a great addition to any game collection. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking high levels of direct interaction or complex gameplay mechanics. Overall, Hashi provides a fun and intellectually stimulating experience that is both quick to play and rewarding to master.

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