Hive Mind (2016) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Hive Mind is a party game designed by Andrew Hepworth and released in 2016 by Calliope Games. It is a cooperative game that challenges players to think alike and come up with common answers to a variety of fun and quirky questions.

Game Components of Hive Mind

300 question cards with 1,800 questions

Double-sided game board with 6 and 8 levels

12 player pawns (Bee meeples)

12 Hive Mind pencils

1 Hive Mind notepad

1 custom 6-sided die

Game rules

3 pattern stickers for color-blind players

A sand timer (2-minute timer)[4″.

How To Setup Hive Mind

Setting up Hive Mind is straightforward. Players choose a Bee meeple and place it at the top of the hive. Each player receives a pencil and paper. The question card box is placed beside the board, and the Queen Bee is positioned on the “Queen Bee Start” space. The three gate pieces are placed at levels 4, 5, and 6 on the board. With these simple steps, the game is ready to play.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Question Selection: Players take turns rolling a die to move the Queen Bee, which determines how many players will move in the hive based on their scores.

Answering Questions: Players write down their answers to questions based on shared experiences within a 2-minute time frame.

Scoring: Players score points for each answer they provide and additional points for each matching answer with other players.

Movement in the Hive: Players with the lowest scores move down the hive, while those with higher scores can move up.

Game End: The game ends when one or more players exit the hive from level 6; the remaining players in the hive win.

Player Experience

Hive Mind is designed to be fun and easy to learn, making it accessible to players of all ages and experience levels. The game encourages lively conversations and hilarious moments as players compare their answers. It is particularly enjoyable for large groups, such as families, parties, or team-building events. The game’s simplicity and high replay value, with 1,800 questions, ensure that players can enjoy it multiple times without repetition.

Pros

Simple to Learn and Play: Easy to explain and set up, perfect for non-gamers.

High Replay Value: Comes with 1,800 questions and the option to create custom questions.

Large Group Compatibility: Supports up to 12 players.

Encourages Social Interaction: Inspires conversations and comparisons of answers.

Quick Gameplay: No downtime, as everyone participates in every question.

Cons

Single Loser: The game can feel exclusionary for the player who gets kicked out of the hive, although this can also be celebrated as the most unique thinker.

Personal Thoughts on Hive Mind

Hive Mind is an excellent choice for anyone looking to engage in a fun, interactive game that fosters social interaction and camaraderie. It is particularly suited for large family gatherings, parties, or team-building activities. The game’s ability to accommodate a wide range of ages and its ease of play make it a versatile addition to any game collection. However, it’s worth noting that the game’s competitive aspect might make the loser feel a bit excluded, but this can also add a unique dynamic to the game.

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