This was a game that I originally avoided due to all the hype. Despite its popularity, I had heard mixed reviews.
But last year I bought it for my girlfriend as an anniversary present and we’ve enjoyed every play since.
In WINGSPAN, you are drafting different birds into one of three types of habitats. Each bird has an ability, most of which are triggered when you choose to utilise a habitat’s ability (take food, make eggs, or draft cards).
Over the course of the game you build an engine of abilities on your board. Each of the four rounds has a goal, and each player also has one or more score cards they are aiming to complete by the end of the game.
First off, WINGSPAN is a beautiful game. The art on the cards jump straight out of the bird books I had as a kid. And the plastic eggs are a nice touch.
The game itself is simple to teach. With only one action per turn, it’s all about making the most out of it and building the most effective engine.
It’s quite a relaxing game to play. The whole package gives off a peaceful vibe.
The higher the player count, the longer the game will take. While that’s true for most games, I really felt it here. There is little interaction between players and it feels like a long time before you have to do anything again.
We’ve played 2-player and 4-player, and I definitely prefer it when it’s just me and my girlfriend.
The other issue I have with WINGSPAN is that there is a lot of luck in the cards. A bad starting hand is hard to get over and make anything useful from. Not all bird cards are created equal. And even if you have good cards, the order they go on your board is just as important, and can stall your entire game if they don’t work well together.
Overall, WINGSPAN is a good game, one that all player skills can enjoy. The are just a few things holding it back from greatness.
Always Play Blue 