Hive | A Review by Tabletop Meeple

 Hive

a review by Tabletop Meeple

Info:

• For 2 players
• For ages 9 and up
• 20 minutes to play
• BGG Weight: 2.32

Game Overview

    In board gaming, there are often talks about the so-perceived "cult of the new" and how Kickstarters make massive returns on investment solely because so many people make FOMO-induced all-in purchases that many end up regretting later on. However, even with all of this obsession with the up-to-date, old games still get played very often. Especially the classic gateway games, such as CATAN, Carcassonne, and Ticket to Ride. 

    Today, I wanted to take a look at what is soon to become a classic abstract strategy game, a game designed by John Yianni and published by Gen42 Games. That game is Hive. Hive is an abstract strategy game where you play bugs to your hive, and then move them around cunningly in order to surround your opponent's Queen Bee. Does this all work in the actual game? Let's find out.

The box with its many awards. The box itself is meh at best.

Theme

    In Hive, the theme is relatively simple. And it isn't really there either, considering the fact that it is an abstract. Players in Hive will play a variety of different insects and creatures to the communal hive, all in an effort to entrap the opponent's Queen Bee. Think of it as Chess, but with less pieces and no board. Since it is an abstract however, it makes no point of enforcing said theme and could be much easier described as the Chess statement above than what it actually is about.

TM Score: 6/20

Components

    A rough start, followed by a triumphant comeback. That is what this game has to offer. While the theme isn't there, the components most certainly are. The pieces in Hive are chunky, Bakelite-like tiles that feel amazing in play, engraved with the different creature symbols, depending on which tile has which move set. Brilliant componentry and proof positive that you don't need 2,000 miniatures, and a deluxe resource kit to stand out in the industry. You don't need flashy Kickstarters with all of their "All In" packages and promises of deluxe resource kits and expansions. These high-quality tiles are in every box of Hive ever sold. From day one, this game was made using high-quality tiles, and, may I remind you, I picked this game up at my FLGS for $35 (and you could find it cheaper if you can pick up the Hive Pocket versions, or you could just buy used). 

TM Score: 19/20

The tiles of Hive. Sorry, my smartphone photography does not do these things justice.

Gameplay

    Hive is a brilliant example of a new-ish abstract that stands on its own against games like Chess and Checkers, both of which are rather old games. Don't get me wrong, I think Chess is one of the greatest games of all time, but there are definitely other abstract games out there, and I think this is one of the finest.

    Each type of creature has its own move set, adding to the decision-making space even further. There are also little expansions, so to speak, that add additional tiles to the game. I haven't played with any of them so I wouldn't know if they are good or not, but it is good to know that they exist if you want to expand your game.

    Gameplay in Hive, to briefly put a point on it, is a masterclass in what abstracts should follow in terms of mechanics, and theme. This game should be a point of reference to any designer attempting to make an abstract game. I don't want to dwindle on this topic, however, so let's get to the final score.

TM Score: 19/20

Overall

    Hive is a brilliant example of an old game that has staying power. From the niceness of the tiles to the deep thought processes of the gameplay, this game really sings and it just works. And, when you are playing an abstract, that is all you want it to do.

PROS:

• insanely portable
• pretty accessible (especially if you are familiar with these types of games, such as Chess)
• Beautiful components
• Brilliant gameplay

CONS:

• oh no, it's an abstract, no theme!

FINAL TM SCORE: 15.6/20

 And that's it!

    I really enjoy this game, and I really enjoy writing these reviews, and I hope you enjoy reading them as well. Playing games is a great way to spend time, and I hope my reviews make an impact on whether or not you decide to purchase the games covered in them. If you are a publisher or a designer and want to send a game my way for review, contact me! My contact info will be at the bottom of the page. See you next time!

Contact Info:

Email Address: tabletopmeeple@gmail.com