Butterfly (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

The Butterfly board game was released in 2019 and designed by Martin Hoffmann. It is a game that falls under the category of Abstract Strategy and is suitable for players aged 8 and above. The game involves grid movement, push your luck, set collection, and a square grid mechanic.

Game Components of Butterfly

Player boards: Each player receives a board to track their collected tiles.

Tiles: 100 tiles featuring various insects and items like butterflies, dragonflies, lightning bugs, flowers, grasshoppers, bees, honeycombs, and wasps.

Hudson the Hedgehog piece: A wooden piece used for movement on the board.

Draw bag: For random tile draws.

Game board: Double-sided, accommodating different player counts.

How To Setup Butterfly

To set up Butterfly, players start by placing all 100 tiles in the draw bag. Tiles are then drawn and placed face up on the game board, filling out the spaces according to the number of players. Each player receives a player board to track their collected tiles. The player who will go last positions Hudson the Hedgehog on the board, and play begins.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Set Collection: Players collect tiles to create the most valuable set.

Tile Movement: Players move Hudson the Hedgehog to collect tiles, with the option to turn Hudson 90 degrees left or right.

Butterfly Nets: Crossing over revealed nets allows players to draw a random tile from the bag.

Scoring:
– Butterfly tiles score their printed value.
– Flowers score based on the number collected.
– Dragonflies score the highest value collected.
– Lightning bugs score the lowest value collected.
– Bees and honeycombs score positively in pairs, negatively if alone.
– Grasshoppers score only the last one collected.
– Wasps score negative points.

Player Experience

Butterfly offers a light and breezy gaming experience with a mix of strategy and luck. Players must think ahead not only about their own tile collection but also about how their moves will affect their opponents. The game is interactive and occasionally mean, as players can leave their opponents with limited options. Games typically last 15-20 minutes, making it a quick and enjoyable experience for all ages.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules and quick setup.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for children and adults alike.

Interactive: Players need to consider their opponents’ moves.

Variable Setup: Each game is different due to the random tile placement.

Good Components: Thick tiles and a sturdy Hudson the Hedgehog piece.

Cons

Luck Factor: The initial setup and random tile draws can significantly affect scoring.

Limited Depth: Not a complex or brain-burning game.

Strategic Balance: Can be tricky when playing with players of different skill levels.

Personal Thoughts on Butterfly

Butterfly is an excellent choice for families and casual gamers looking for a light, fun experience. It’s perfect for those who enjoy set-collection games with a touch of strategy and luck. The game’s artwork and theme are appealing to children, while the gameplay provides enough depth to keep adults engaged. It’s a great option for a quick game night or a family gathering, offering a balanced mix of competitiveness and fun.

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