Tail Feathers (2015) Board Game

Tail Feathers is a board game released in 2015 by Plaid Hat Games. Designed by Jerry Hawthorne, the game combines elements of miniatures, wargaming, and fantasy with a unique twist of animals and aviation. Players take on the roles of bird factions engaging in aerial combat, making strategic decisions to outmaneuver their opponents and secure victory.

Game Components of Tail Feathers

13 ground troops

5 bird miniatures with special flight stands

5 pilot miniatures

Flight templates

Scenario book

Custom six-sided dice

Various cards and counters

How To Setup Tail Feathers

To set up Tail Feathers, players first choose their units and assemble the battlefield. The game includes a scenario book with story-rich scenarios that can be played as stand-alone missions or linked together as a campaign. Players determine their starting units and place them on the board according to the scenario instructions. The flight stands for the bird miniatures are also set up, ready for the tilt mechanism that determines flight direction.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Activation Phase: Players determine initiative using custom six-sided dice, with the option to add more dice by spending cheese (a game resource).

Movement: Two types of movement: Tree (ground units) and Flight (aerial units). Flight movement is mandatory and uses flight templates to plan the flight path.

Tilt Mechanism: Bird miniatures use a tilt system to determine flight direction, requiring players to adjust the tilt to change direction.

Combat: Units can attack each other, with flying units potentially colliding with tree trunks, other flying figures, or perching on tree spaces.

Campaign Mode: Units can gain skills from one battle to the next in a story-driven campaign.

Compatibility: Can use Mice and Mystics miniatures, with included cards to integrate them into the game.

Player Experience

Tail Feathers offers a cinematic and engaging experience with a unique blend of ground and aerial combat. Players must balance the use of both flying and ground units to achieve victory, introducing a layer of strategy and bluffing. The game’s innovative mechanics, such as the tilt system for flight and the use of cheese to influence initiative, add a fresh and exciting twist to tabletop skirmish gaming.

Pros

Unique Flight Mechanics: The tilt system and flight templates provide a realistic and challenging aerial combat experience.

Whimsical Setting: Set in the charming world of Mice and Mystics, adding a delightful theme to the game.

Campaign Mode: Allows units to gain skills over multiple battles, enhancing player engagement and replayability.

Compatibility with Mice and Mystics: Users of Mice and Mystics can integrate their existing miniatures into the game.

Story-Rich Scenarios: Provides a narrative-driven experience with stand-alone scenarios or a linked campaign.

Cons

Complex Setup: Setting up the game and understanding the rules can be time-consuming due to the unique mechanics.

Space Requirements: The game requires a significant amount of space for the aerial combat and ground movements.

Learning Curve: The tilt mechanism and flight rules can be challenging for new players to master.

Personal Thoughts on Tail Feathers

Tail Feathers is ideal for fans of miniature skirmish games and those who enjoy strategic and thematic gameplay. It is particularly suited for players who appreciate the world of Mice and Mystics or are looking for a game that combines ground and aerial combat in a unique and engaging way. While it may have a steep learning curve, the game offers a rich and rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time to master its mechanics.

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