Somethin’ Fishy (2004) Board Game

Somethin’ Fishy is a fun and engaging card game designed by Oliver Igelhaut and published by ABACUSSPIELE in in 2004. The game is suitable for children aged 6 and above, making it a great option for family game nights or classroom settings. With its whimsical artwork and simple gameplay mechanics, Somethin’ Fishy is a hit among both kids and adults alike.

Game Components of Somethin’ Fishy

Fish-backed cards: Representing different types of fish in various sizes (hungry, happy, and full).

Water-backed cards: Used in the later phase of the game.

Card deck: Consisting of 20 water-backed cards and a larger pile of fish-backed cards.

How To Setup Somethin’ Fishy

To set up the game, separate the 20 water-backed cards from the fish-backed cards. Shuffle the fish-backed cards and place them in a messy pile in the middle of the table. Keep the water-backed cards aside for later use. If playing with three or four players, the rules suggest discarding 20 fish-backed cards, but this can be disregarded for a fuller experience.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Draw and Play Cards: Players draw cards and add them to their string of fish.

Hungry Fish: Hungry fish eat all fish in the string until they encounter a fish of the same species.

Set Collection: Players aim to collect sets of three or more of the same type of fish to claim fish strings from the table.

Game End: The game ends when a player draws a net card from the water-backed deck. The player with the most cards in their scoring pile wins.

Tiebreakers: In case of a tie, the player with the most hungry fish wins. If still tied, the winner is determined by the player who can tell the biggest fish story.

Player Experience

**Somethin’ Fishy** is a quick and simple game, ideal as a filler. It is designed for 3 to 6 players and lasts about 15 minutes. The game is suitable for children aged 6 and above, making it a family-friendly option. Players enjoy the Press Your Luck mechanic, which adds an element of strategy and excitement, though the game is largely luck-based.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to all ages.

Quick Gameplay: Games are short, lasting only 15 minutes.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for children aged 6 and above.

Engaging Mechanics: The Press Your Luck and Set Collection mechanics keep players engaged.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: The game outcome is heavily influenced by luck rather than strategy.

Limited Strategy: Decisions are mostly about when to stop drawing cards, with no deep strategic elements.

Personal Thoughts on Somethin’ Fishy

**Somethin’ Fishy** is a great option for families or groups looking for a light, entertaining card game. It encourages social interaction and quick thinking, making it an excellent choice for casual game nights or as a filler between more complex games. While it may not offer deep strategic gameplay, its simplicity and engaging mechanics make it a fun addition to any board game collection.

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