Hey, That’s My Fish! (2003)

Hey, That’s My Fish!

Hey, That’s My Fish! is a board game designed for two to six players, aged seven and up. It was released in 2016 and was developed by Horst Harendorf and Ralf zur Linde. The game is published by Horrible Guild and is available in multiple languages.

Why is Hey, That’s My Fish! Popular?

Hey, That’s My Fish! is a dexterity game that combines simple mechanics with player interaction. The game is easy to learn and plays quickly, making it accessible for a wide range of players. The unique “claiming mechanism” adds a fun twist to the game, as players must be strategic in their moves while also considering the actions of other players.

Game Components of Hey, That’s My Fish!

60 hexagonal tiles: Each tile displays one to three fish, used to create the game board.

Penguin miniatures: Colorful, detailed penguins for each player, with the number of penguins varying by the number of players (4 for 2 players, 3 for 3 players, 2 for 4 players).

Rules sheet: Includes instructions for setting up and playing the game.

How To Setup Hey, That’s My Fish!

To set up the game, players arrange the 60 hexagonal tiles in a symmetrical pattern, ensuring a random distribution to avoid clusters of high-fish tiles. Each player places their penguins on hexagons containing only one fish. The setup involves creating an ice floe with the tiles, which will change with every new game due to the random arrangement.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Movement: Each player moves one of their penguins in a straight line across the ice floe to a vacant hexagon.

Tile Removal: After moving, the player removes the hexagon their penguin started from, adding it to their collection of fish.

Isolation: Penguins that become isolated from the main board or cannot move are removed from the game along with the hexagon they are on.

Game Objective: The player who collects the most fish by the end of the game wins.

Player Experience

Hey, That’s My Fish offers a dynamic and engaging experience suitable for players of all ages and skill levels. It starts as a light, family-friendly game but can escalate into a tense, strategically satisfying face-off. The random arrangement of tiles ensures each game is unique, requiring players to adapt their strategies each time. The game balances simplicity in rules with complexity in strategy, making it appealing to both casual and competitive gamers.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to new players.

High Replayability: The random setup of the hexagonal tiles ensures a different game each time.

Strategic Depth: Despite simple rules, the game offers a deep strategic layer, making it appealing to serious gamers.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for children as young as 6 or 8, depending on the edition.

Cons

Setup Time: Setting up the game can take longer than the actual gameplay, which can be tedious.

Component Quality: Some users suggest that the tiles could be improved in material quality, such as being made of wood or plastic.

Piece Management: The small size of the game components can make them easy to lose, especially during travel.

Personal Thoughts on Hey, That’s My Fish!

Hey, That’s My Fish is an excellent addition to any board game collection, particularly for those who enjoy strategic games with a light and family-friendly theme. It is perfect for families looking for a game that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, as well as for serious gamers seeking a challenging yet quick-playing experience. The game’s ability to balance simplicity and complexity makes it a versatile choice for various gaming settings. Whether you’re playing a casual game or a competitive match, Hey, That’s My Fish delivers a fun and engaging experience that will keep you coming back for more.

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