Wingspan (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Wingspan is a board game designed by Elizabeth Hargrave and published by Stonemaier Games in in 2019. It quickly gained popularity for its unique theme centered around birdwatching and conservation. The game has received numerous awards and accolades for its engaging gameplay and beautiful artwork.

Game Components of Wingspan

170 individually illustrated bird cards

Player boards with forest, prairie, and wetland habitats

Action cubes

Food tokens

Eggs

Bonus cards

End of round goals

Player mats (included in expansions)

Nectar tokens (introduced in the Oceania Expansion)

Automa cards for solo play

How To Setup Wingspan

Setup involves each player receiving a player board, a set of action cubes, and a starting hand of bird cards. The game also includes setting up the bird card display, food tokens, and the goal board. Players place their action cubes on their boards to track the number of turns remaining in each round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Card Play: Players add bird cards to their habitats.

Engine Building: Each bird added enhances the actions available in its habitat.

Resource Management: Players manage food tokens, eggs, and bird cards.

Action Selection: Players take turns performing one of four actions: play a bird card, gain food, lay eggs, or draw bird cards.

Game Objective

The objective is to accumulate the most victory points by attracting birds, laying eggs, caching food, and achieving round and end-game goals.

Player Experience

In Wingspan, players take on the role of bird enthusiasts building their wildlife preserves. The game is known for its beautiful, field guide-caliber illustrations and tactile components, such as food tokens and eggs. Each turn, players must strategically decide which actions to take to optimize their bird collection and resource management. The game is praised for its balance between luck and strategic gameplay, making it accessible yet challenging.

Pros

Beautiful Artwork: Each bird card features accurate and stunning illustrations.

High Replayability: With 170 unique bird cards and variable setup elements, no two games are the same.

Engaging Gameplay: The game combines clever engine-building with interesting card play and resource management.

Educational Aspect: Players learn about different bird species and their characteristics.

Non-Hypercompetitive: The game has a soothing and gentle atmosphere, focusing on building rather than competing aggressively.

Cons

Initial Cost: The game is produced to high standards, which may increase its cost.

Luck of the Draw: Poor luck in drawing bird cards can hinder early game progress.

Predictable Endgame: The final round can sometimes feel predictable, particularly with the egg-laying rush.

Personal Thoughts on Wingspan

Wingspan is ideal for those who enjoy strategy games but prefer a more relaxed and educational experience. It appeals to both hobby gamers and those new to the tabletop scene, offering a unique blend of engine-building and resource management. The game is perfect for players looking to engage in a game that feels more like a puzzle than a high-stakes competition. With its solo mode, two-player variant, and support for up to five players, Wingspan is versatile and suitable for various gaming groups. If you’re looking for a game that combines substance with a soothing atmosphere, Wingspan is an excellent choice.

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