Hive (2001) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Hive is an abstract strategy game that was designed by John Yianni and released in 2001 by Gen42 Games. The game has gained popularity for its simple rules and deep strategic gameplay that appeals to both casual and serious gamers. Hive has won several awards and has been praised for its elegant design and replayability.

Game Components of Hive

22 hexagonal pieces (11 for each player)

Instruction booklet

How To Setup Hive

Place the pieces in a bag and have each player draw 11 pieces.

Players take turns placing their pieces on the board.

The first player to surround their opponent’s queen bee wins the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

In Hive, players take turns moving their pieces on a hexagonal grid, trying to surround their opponent’s queen bee while protecting their own. Each piece has a unique movement pattern, such as the grasshopper jumping over other pieces or the beetle crawling on top of them. The game is won by the first player to successfully surround the opponent’s queen bee.

Player Experience

Pros:

Simple rules make it easy to learn and teach to others

Deep strategic gameplay that rewards careful planning

Portable and durable pieces make it great for travel

Cons:

Limited to 2 players, so not suitable for larger groups

Some pieces can be challenging to differentiate for colorblind players

Personal Thoughts on Hive

Hive is a fantastic abstract strategy game that offers a unique and engaging experience for players. The game is well-designed with high-quality components that make it a joy to play. While the game is relatively easy to learn, mastering its strategic depth can take time and practice. The pricing of Hive is reasonable, and it is widely available both new and used. If you enjoy abstract strategy games and are looking for a challenging two-player experience, Hive is definitely worth your time. However, if you prefer games with more players or a different theme, you may want to skip it. Alternatives to Hive include games like Chess, Checkers, and Go.

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