Birds of a Feather: Western North America (2022) Board Game

Birds of a Feather: Western North America is a card game designed by Trevor Fristoe and Quill Kolat, featuring beautiful artwork by Snowbright Studio. The game is set in the western region of North America, where players take on the role of bird enthusiasts competing to attract the most diverse and valuable species to their wildlife reserves.

Game Components of Birds of a Feather: Western North America

60 Bird cards, each representing different birds from Western North America

5 Habitats, each with 1 Ace, 1 Raptor, 1 Rare, 2 Uncommon, and 3 Common bird cards

1 Score sheet pad

1 Rulebook

Optional: Birds of a Feather Score App for digital scoring.

How To Setup Birds of a Feather: Western North America

To set up the game, shuffle the deck of Bird cards and deal each player a hand according to the player count chart. For example, in a 2-3 player game, each player gets 15 cards, while in a 7-player game, each player gets 8 cards. Any cards not dealt are set aside face down. For games with 2-3 players, additional cards from the deck are used throughout the game. Players can also use a drafting mechanism to create their starting hands, especially in games with more players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Simultaneous Card Play: Players choose and reveal a card from their hand simultaneously.

Habitat Matching: Players score points for all birds revealed in their chosen habitat.

Lingering Birds: Birds from previous rounds remain in play until new birds are revealed or chased away by Raptors.

Raptor Cards: Optional rule where Raptors discard all Lingering Birds in the same habitat.

Scoring: Each bird type is worth 1 point, except for double-wing birds (2 points) and egg symbols (0 points). Bonus points are awarded for collecting all bird types in a single habitat.

Game End: The game ends when all cards except one have been played. The player with the most points wins.

Player Experience

**Birds of a Feather: Western North America** offers a light, engaging, and quick gameplay experience, suitable for players aged 8 and up. The game supports 1 to 7 players and includes a solo mode, adding to its versatility. Players enjoy the colorful and revamped artwork, along with the ease of using a web-based scoring app. The game’s short playtime of around 20 minutes makes it a great option for a quick, fun session.

Pros

Versatile Player Count: Supports 1 to 7 players, including a solo mode.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to a wide range of players.

Quick Gameplay: Games last approximately 20 minutes.

Colorful Artwork: Attractive and engaging bird illustrations.

Digital Scoring Option: Web-based app simplifies scoring.

Cons

Hand Variance: Some players may find it frustrating to have rare or valuable cards not in their hand.

Dependence on Opponents’ Plays: Success can be heavily influenced by what other players choose to play.

Limited Complexity: May not be engaging enough for players seeking more complex gameplay.

Personal Thoughts on Birds of a Feather: Western North America

This game is perfect for families, casual gamers, and anyone with an interest in birds or nature-themed games. Its flexibility in player count and the inclusion of various game modes make it a great addition to any game collection. For those who enjoy set collection and light, strategic gameplay, **Birds of a Feather: Western North America** is a delightful and portable option that can be easily taken on the go.

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