Hey, That’s My Fish! (2003) Board Game

Hey, That’s My Fish!’ is a popular abstract strategy board game that was first released in in 2003. It was designed by Günter Cornett and Alvydas Jakeliunas and published by Bambus Spieleverlag. The game has received positive reviews for its simple yet engaging gameplay mechanics.

Game Components of Hey, That’s My Fish!

60 hex tiles featuring ice floes with one to three fish each

Colored penguin markers for each player

No dedicated board, as the hex tiles form the game grid

How To Setup Hey, That’s My Fish!

To set up the game, players arrange the 60 hex tiles in a symmetrical pattern, ensuring that the tiles are placed ice-floe-with-fish side up. The tiles should be randomly distributed to avoid clusters of high-fish tiles. Players then place their colored penguins on ice floes containing only one fish until all penguins are on the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Movement: Players move their penguins in straight lines to adjacent or distant hex tiles.

Tile Removal: After moving a penguin, the player removes the hex tile the penguin moved from, adding it to their collection.

Blocking Mechanism: Removed tiles create gaps that penguins cannot cross, limiting movement options.

Objective: The goal is to collect the most fish by strategically moving and isolating penguins to maximize fish collection.

Game End: The game ends when all penguins are isolated or when no further moves are possible; the player with the most fish wins.

Player Experience

Hey, That’s My Fish is mechanically simple yet tactically deep. The game requires players to balance fish collection with strategic movement to isolate opponents’ penguins. The dynamic board, which changes with every move, adds complexity and requires players to think ahead about the impact of their actions on the game state. The random distribution of tiles ensures no single strategy guarantees a win, making each game unique.

Pros

Tactical Depth: Despite simple rules, the game offers deep strategic possibilities.

Replayability: Random tile placement and various starting shapes ensure high replayability.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for children due to its easy-to-understand mechanics, despite its underlying complexity.

Competitive: Encourages aggressive and strategic play, especially in competitive settings.

Cons

Setup Time: The game requires a significant amount of time to set up the tile grid.

Visual Accessibility: Players need to be able to see the board clearly to strategize effectively, which can be challenging for those with visual impairments.

Frustration Factor: Poor initial placement or cunning opponents can lead to early elimination, which can be frustrating.

Personal Thoughts on Hey, That’s My Fish!

Hey, That’s My Fish is an excellent choice for both casual and serious gamers. It straddles the line between being easy to learn and challenging to master, making it appealing to a wide range of players. While the cute theme might suggest a lightweight game, it belies a complex and strategic experience that is worth exploring. This game is ideal for those who enjoy abstract strategy and are looking for a game that is both fun and intellectually stimulating. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer quick setup times or are looking for a game with a more substantial theme.

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