Apiary (2023) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Apiary is a board game released in 2023 by Stonemaier Games, designed by Connie Vogelmann and illustrated by Kwanchai Moriya. The game is set in a world where players take on the role of beekeepers managing their own apiaries. With a mix of science fiction elements and animal themes, Apiary offers a unique gameplay experience for 1-5 players.

Game Components of Apiary

Beekeeper boards

Hive tiles

Bee cards

Resource tokens

Action cards

Player tokens

How To Setup Apiary

Each player selects a beekeeper board and places it in front of them.

Shuffle the hive tiles and place them face down in the center of the table.

Each player receives a starting hand of bee cards and resource tokens.

Place the action cards within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Apiary, players take turns placing hive tiles to build their apiaries, collecting bees, and managing their resources to produce honey. Players also have the option to use action cards to gain advantages over their opponents. The objective of the game is to have the most productive apiary by the end of the game, which typically lasts 60-90 minutes.

Player Experience

Pros:

Engaging theme that combines animals and science fiction

Strategic gameplay with multiple ways to approach building your apiary

Variable player powers add replayability

Solo mode available for solo play

Cons:

Game can be complex for new players to learn

Some luck involved in drawing bee cards

Game length may be too long for some players

Personal Thoughts on Apiary

Apiary is a well-designed game that offers a unique blend of theme and gameplay mechanics. The components are of high quality, with beautifully illustrated artwork that enhances the overall experience. While the game may be challenging for new players to grasp initially, the strategic depth and replayability make it worth the investment for board game enthusiasts. The pricing and availability of Apiary may vary, but it can be found both new and used through various retailers. Alternatives to Apiary include other worker placement games like Viticulture or Everdell. Overall, Apiary is worth your time if you enjoy strategic board games and are looking for a fresh and engaging experience in the genre. It is recommended for players who enjoy complex gameplay and are willing to invest time in learning the mechanics. However, those who prefer simpler, shorter games may want to skip Apiary.

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