There’s heaps of replayability, and plenty of opportunity for varied strategies to arise.
Let’s take a gander, shall we?
The standard goal board makes for a less competitive game, while the green goal board increases direct conflict.
There’s also a solo mode.
Whoever gets the highest score will win.
Unsurprisingly, birds are a big part of that equation.
This is where the magic happens.
There are a few powerful combinations, with some even being passively activated by other players.
This game did well enough to spawn an entire series.
The art is every bit as strong.
Numerous plastic containers are on-hand to help you keep things neat and tidy in-between sessions.
This reduction also negates the extra length of later turns.
Still, there’s a certain momentum to Wingspan that keeps everything rolling along.
You never feel entirely blocked in as you might in thebest family board gameslikeCatan, for example.
You may just have to deal with making the less efficient move.
Efficiency is important to economics gamers, and it can be disheartening to have your plays thwarted by randomness.
Wingspan combats this feeling with heaps of player agency.
You are in complete control of your own board and plays.
There’s also something to be said about the incredible replayability.
It does mean that people who prefer to stick to a strict strategy every game will have to adapt.
But, of course, in a game about ecology adaptation is king.
Should you buy Wingspan?
Photosynthesis is a slightly more straightforward alternative that shares a lot of the same DNA.
Those who are patient enough to learn Wingspan’s ins and outs won’t regret it, though.
This is one of the greats.
3/5
Replayability
The game’s many cards and countless ability combinations keep it fresh for the long term.
Component quality
Wingspan feels as premium as its price would suggest, if not more so.
They also have their own secret bonuses to work toward, which makes this game truly asymmetric.
If you prefer a standard, reusable strategy, Wingspan isn’t the game for you.
You have trouble with complex rulesetsWingspan is not the easiest game to explain or learn.
If you’re trying to learn from the rulebook alone without being shown, it can be frustrating.
There is a play-by-play Swift Start guide to help new players get the hang of it, however.
Our reviewer also examined the game in context now that it is a few years old.
For a more in-depth look at our process, see this guide onhow we test board games.
you’ve got the option to also find out more viaGamesRadar+ reviews policy.
Want something that lets you work as a team?
Don’t miss thebest cooperative board games.
As for those wanting a head-to-head challenge, try thebest 2-player board games.
