Beez (2020) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Beez is a board game released in 2020 by Next Move Games. Designed by Dan Halstad and illustrated by Chris Quilliams, Beez falls into the category of abstract strategy games with a theme centered around bees and honeycomb patterns. With a playtime of 30-45 minutes, Beez is suitable for 2-4 players aged 8 and above.

Game Components of Beez

Bee Figurines: Colorful, three-dimensional bee miniatures.

Hexagonal Tiles: Representing flowers and leaves, each with seven hexagonal spaces.

Nectar Cylinders: Small and large cylinders in various colors.

Honeycomb Boards: Dual-layered player boards for nectar placement.

Objective Cards: Public and private objective cards in purple, blue, and red.

Leaf Tiles: With water drops for additional gameplay mechanics.

How To Setup Beez

To set up Beez, players first form a board from hexagonal flower and leaf tiles. Each flower tile is populated with three small nectar cylinders matching the flower’s color, and edge flowers also have a large nectar cylinder. Players place their bee figurine at the center of the board. Three public objective cards are revealed, and each player receives three private objective cards, choosing two to keep and discarding the third. The gameboard can be configured using a suggested layout or experimental designs as players become familiar with the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Programmed Movements: Bees move based on numbers on their figurines (1/5, 2/4, 3, 2/4, 1/5), with no direct forward movement allowed.

Nectar Collection: Bees collect small nectar if they land on a space with it, or both large and small nectar if they land on a central flower space.

Honeycomb Placement: Nectar is placed in the honeycomb based on the bee’s movement.

Objective Fulfillment: Players score points by fulfilling public and private objective cards, such as specific color collections, configurations, or filling certain areas of the honeycomb.

Game End: The game ends when a player has stored 12 or more nectar pieces, and the player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

Playing Beez is a delightful blend of strategy and tactical planning. Players must navigate the flower field using the unique movement mechanics of their bees, while simultaneously planning how to best fill their honeycomb to maximize points. The game requires balancing two puzzles: the spatial movement of the bee and the optimal placement of nectar in the honeycomb. This combination makes for a satisfying experience, especially when pulling off complex moves to fulfill objectives.

Pros

High-Quality Components: Beautifully designed bee figurines, vibrant flower tiles, and well-crafted honeycomb boards.

Engaging Strategy: Requires forward thinking and spatial planning.

Family-Friendly: Simple rules but deep strategy, making it accessible yet challenging.

Thematic Appeal: A charming bee-themed game that appeals to nature lovers and strategy enthusiasts alike.

Cons

Complexity for Younger Players: The programming and goal-juggling aspects may be too thinky for younger players.

Multiple Objectives Management: Managing multiple public and private objectives can be overwhelming.

Limited Appeal to Heavy Gamers: May not be complex enough for fans of heavier eurogames.

Personal Thoughts on Beez

Beez is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers looking for a game that is both visually appealing and strategically engaging. It occupies a unique space between light family games and heavier strategy games, making it a great addition to any board game collection. However, it might not immediately appeal to fans of very complex eurogames or younger players who struggle with spatial planning and multi-objective management.

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