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Description
Hive is a strategic game for two players that is not restricted by a board and can be played anywhere on any flat surface. Hive is made up of twenty two pieces, eleven black and eleven white, resembling a variety of creatures each with a unique way of moving.
With no setting up to do, the game begins when the first piece is placed down. As the subsequent pieces are placed this forms a pattern that becomes the playing surface (the pieces themselves become the board). Unlike other such games, the pieces are never eliminated and not all have to be played. The object of the game is to totally surround your opponent's queen, while at the same time trying to block your opponent from doing likewise to your queen. The player to totally surround his opponent's queen wins the game.
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Hive FAQ - please read before posting questions in the forum!
Year Published
2001
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 19
This page: 19
Sentiment:
pos 17 ·
mix 0 ·
neu 1 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–19 of 19
Video gyq_pDFmIcs
Adam Porter top_100_list at 1:09 sentiment: positive
video_pk 13735 · mention_pk 40105
Click to watch at 1:09 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- clear climax through a decisive capture or surround
- high tension with simple rules
Cons
- abstract theme may not appeal to all players
- short intervals can create abrupt endings
Thematic elements
- Territory control through surrounding and blocking
- Abstract insect-themed abstract strategy
- Minimalist, puzzle-like abstraction
Comparison games
- Mr Jack
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Capture / surround — Capture key pieces by surrounding or immobilizing the opponent’s pieces; the queen bee is a focal point in some variants.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- every card should work in exactly the same way and the simplest way of doing that is saying that you play the card once you get the benefit and then you discard the card
- it's a streamlined system so every card should work in exactly the same way
- the goal in a game of hive is to surround the queen bee
- you can see it laying out on the map as things get shut off by the other players
- there is something really satisfying and unusual about that experience
- a legacy game once in a while played with my wife
- it's basically a form of set collection... many different variations of sets which create different words
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video q8N3gfz8I-I
Unknown Channel general_discussion at 5:23 sentiment: positive
video_pk 13785 · mention_pk 40281
Click to watch at 5:23 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- tactile, elegant design
- deep strategy in a small footprint
Cons
- learning curve for new players can be steep
- rules can feel abstract to newcomers
Thematic elements
- insects with unique movement
- no fixed board; pieces placed to form a hive
- tactical, organism-like positioning
Comparison games
- Camelot
- Quarto
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Capture through surrounding — surround the opponent's queen bee to win
- Piece-specific movement — each insect piece moves differently; no traditional board at setup
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- "these are games that can largely be taught in a minute or two"
- "they can be learnt practically straight away"
- "short frame of time"
- "not going to be for everybody but there's still a lot to explore"
- "the simplicity of the mechanisms... is fascinating"
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video FhWgUXC8PrY
Unknown Channel top_10_list at 11:44 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12149 · mention_pk 35543
Click to watch at 11:44 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- very portable and quick to learn
- great for travel and teaching
- thematic integration with insect movement is charming
Cons
- abstract depth may be limited for some players
Thematic elements
- insects and spatial control
- Abstract strategy with insect-themed pieces
- pure abstract play, no narrative
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- surround the queen — Aim to encircle opponent's queen bee.
- tile/animal-piece movement — Each insect type moves differently on hex grid.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a filler type where you are drawing cards and you're trying to curate a hand of cards where everything synergizes well with each other
- the heart and soul of that is realms and that is why Naveen dislikes it is why i really enjoy it
- gosh the dice selection is so restrictive
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video BsfzqCEbxso
Adam Porter top_10_list at 9:38:40 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11383 · mention_pk 33476
Click to watch at 9:38:40 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Really good abstract strategy game
- Deep gameplay once mechanics learned
- Simple to learn individual powers
- Multiple editions available (travel, deluxe, black/white)
- Insect powers make thematic sense relative to chess
- No traditional board needed
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Insect colony conflict
- Abstract strategy
- Abstract with thematic elements
Comparison games
- Chess
- Checkers
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- abstract strategy — Similar to chess with positioning and piece movement
- Encirclement — Goal is to surround opponent's queen so it cannot escape
- Hexagonal tile placement — Positioning hexagonal bakelite tiles with insects
- Unique piece movement — Each insect type has distinct movement powers
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the artwork is is odd it's a bit ugly and so but in a really sort of cute way i i like it it's got a lot of personality
- there's a lot of drama a lot of tension in there but it's also abstracted that it doesn't feel dark and mean and nasty
- babylonia harks back to that older era where board games were trying to look serious and historical
- it's a strange game in that it's got two different games essentially you know you start out playing one thing and then it switches to something else about halfway through but that switch is not clunky it feels very natural
- ultimately this is a push your luck game uh which is a type of game that i really really enjoy
- the game looks odd it looks like a game for children it's got this weird cartoony artwork but the gameplay is not really like that at all
- this is one i frequently come back to okay a couple of times a year i'll i'll be looking for what should i play there we go if wishes were fishes
- it's really good it's it's hard to explain why it's good but it's really good
- i've talked previously about the fact that i like dice games that don't rely on the yahtzee mechanism and this is one of those
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video zre_vtDfROA
Unknown Channel general_discussion at 1:32 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11105 · mention_pk 32666
Click to watch at 1:32 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- deep strategic decisions
- compact/portable
- low luck
Cons
- not highly thematic
- learning curve for newcomers
Thematic elements
- strategy and positioning
- abstract battlefield with insect-themed pieces
- abstract
Comparison games
- Onitama
- Chess
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- abstract strategy — pieces move with special abilities to create formations and capture opponent pieces; no fixed board.
- no luck — perfect information from moves; outcomes rely on player decisions.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Hive is a simple two-player game yet it's for gamers because there's a lot of decisions it almost feels chess-like it's zero luck
- this video is going to go head-to-head and find the best board games for gamers under budget
- 75 not that bad for five really good games for gamers
- it's going to be the most expensive ice cream
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video src84T3EnZo
Might I Suggest a Game top_10_list at 0:11 sentiment: other
video_pk 9655 · mention_pk 28517
Click to watch at 0:11 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
Excellent chess alternative
Pros
- Chess-adjacent but simpler
- Variable piece powers like chess
- Players create their own board
- Only needs to learn bug movements
- Requires strategic thinking
- Approachable for newcomers
- Less infinite possibilities than chess
- Still challenging and fun
Cons
- Abstract mechanics may confuse some
Thematic elements
- Bug theme
- Hexagonal grid
- Queen capture objective
- Nature inspired
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Saying that Catan is the best game out there is like saying a 95 Camry is the best car ever - sure it set the standard in its day but things have progressed since then
- Are you looking to take your game collection to the next level?
- The castles of burgundy is the perfect next step for someone who's out there wondering if there's more to life than Catan
- Metro X is a much smaller and much lighter game that carries the joy of Ticket to Ride in a package you could bring on an actual train and enjoy
- That's Pretty Clever feels like if Yahtzee had an older brother that went to college got his degree and didn't develop a gambling addiction
- Hive is just the right amount of abstract thinking to feel like a challenge while still being fun
- Picture Perfect has those elements of Clue that have made it a staple for so many years - it cranks the deduction all the way up to 11
- When was the last time you made it to the end of a game of Trivial Pursuit without either cheating or giving up or throwing the game?
- Half Truth is a trivia game the way it's meant to be played - it's quick, it's fun, and it doesn't punish you too hard if you don't know something
- If your clue giver has any form of analysis paralysis at all then you might as well pick up a new hobby because you're going to be waiting forever
- So Clover is low stakes, it's quick, it's really easy to teach and you still get all the fun of hidden clues and word association
- You still get that Scrabble satisfaction of making the perfect word but it's in a time frame that's incredibly manageable
- The Crew takes the classic trick taking game formula and adds just enough of that special sauce to make it one of the most accessible and most fun games
- There are better games out there, there are way better games out there that fit those criteria and don't make your grandma cringe
- Monikers is a perfect party game that's super easy to learn and leads to a ton of memorable moments
- I'm a board game sommelier
- I hope this list gives you some ideas on what to give or what to ask for this holiday season
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video _45een9PcDI
Foster the Meeple top_10_list at 2:39 sentiment: positive
video_pk 9392 · mention_pk 27710
Click to watch at 2:39 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- two_player_only
- pocket_version_available_for_travel
- strategic_depth
- chess_like_gameplay
- small_box
- portable
Cons
- no_people_characters
Thematic elements
- insects
- bees
- insects_with_distinct_movements
Comparison games
- Chess
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- no guilt no shame no mercy
- it is pure magic pure gold
- build like a mortal win like a god
- tiny box biggest table presence experience
- this is a game i wouldn't want to play at higher than two
- jamie knows when she's one and i can see it in her face
- i have a very difficult time comparing games that are that drastically different
- castles of burgundy is heavier therefore i put castles of burgundy at one
- i know myself well enough by now you know i've got 34 years into this body i know i know what i'm into
- don't be a meanie or weenie it's okay to hate things
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video vMNtRQ43W00
Unknown Channel top_10_list at 3:13 sentiment: positive
video_pk 8189 · mention_pk 24054
Click to watch at 3:13 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- highly strategic despite simple components
- great for older kids and families
Cons
- abstract theme may not appeal to everyone
Thematic elements
- insect-themed abstract strategy
- abstract battlefield with insects
- abstract with strategic depth
Comparison games
- Chess
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- edge scouting and dynamic plays — special actions around the edge of the board
- surround/escape objective — aim to enclose the opponent's queen bee
- Tile placement and movement — move insect tiles to surround the opponent's queen bee
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's absolutely stunning on the table
- I've always got this image of Samuel Jackson in my head for some reason
- something about this game opens up in your mind it's like a light bulb comes on
- one of the most simplest games you could possibly want to play for two players
- this game has been really really popular over the last couple of years
- it's basically a carbon copy reprint of a game called shot on titan
- it's absolutely fantastic for two players
- the greatest two-player ball game ever made
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video wm5gIXx0IXw
Unknown Channel playthrough at 39:51 sentiment: positive
video_pk 8159 · mention_pk 23948
Click to watch at 39:51 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Elegant, elegant abstract design with high strategic depth
- High component quality and strong presentation
- Great for players who enjoy deep strategy and minimal luck
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for newcomers to abstract games
Thematic elements
- Strategic insect battle to surround the opponent's queen bee
- Abstract insect world on a hex grid
- Pure abstract strategy with insect-themed pieces
Comparison games
- Takanoko
- Niroshima Hex
- Porthole Arena
- North Guard
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- abstract_strategic_depth — No randomness; deep strategic planning with evolving board state
- surround_and_capture — Aim to surround the opponent's queen bee; surrounding blocks movement
- tile_placement — Place hex tiles to shape the board as play progresses
- unique_piece_movement — Each insect has its own movement rules (queen bee, spider, grasshopper, beetle, ant, etc.)
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- camel time
- the spice must flow
- two-player games hive and jaipur
- spiders are punk
- this game should be just called camel management
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video oxOC2yzPfzc
Might I Suggest general_discussion at 9:01 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7988 · mention_pk 23531
Click to watch at 9:01 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- chunky tiles outdoors-friendly
- no board required
- expands with mosquitoes, pill bugs, ladybugs
Cons
- predominantly two-player, may require adaptation for multi-player variants
Thematic elements
- surrounding the opponent's queen bee
- abstract two-player battlefield with bugs
- abstract strategy
Comparison games
- King Domino
- Azul
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Capture / surround — Aim to surround the opponent's queen bee.
- Tile placement and movement — Place and move bug tiles with unique movement rules.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- That's pretty clever
- it's a quick filler game with a surprising amount of strategy
- King Domino is excellent for playing outdoors
- Hive is perfect for playing outdoors
- this game is perfect for outdoors because all the cardboard pieces are nice and thick and hefty
- If you like tile laying games that work beautifully outdoors because of those hefty little pieces, might I suggest Azul
- you'll take a wooden meeple and you'll put it on one of four domino-style tiles
- the box doubles as a dice tray
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video qaIfKsQWA5I
Going Analog general_discussion at 3:41 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7473 · mention_pk 22152
Click to watch at 3:41 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- tight, elegant abstract strategy
- one-versus-one tension
Cons
- can feel repetitive for some players
Thematic elements
- predation and territorial control among bugs
- insect-themed battle on a hex grid
- abstract
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- abstract strategy — movement of pieces with no fixed board; aim to surround the opponent's queen bee.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I am known for my channel Minimum Player Count mainly on YouTube but I first started on Instagram
- Welcome to the show
- we are not going to take it easy on you so maybe you should be a little bit nervous
- stop watching and go play a game
- you can also see some of my videos on board game spotlight
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video h-s1jsVBhNk
Unknown Channel top_12_list at 0:30 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6557 · mention_pk 19416
Click to watch at 0:30 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- strong two-player depth
- no board needed, tactile components
- fast to teach and quick to play
Cons
- limited to two players
- rules can be strict about movement legality
Thematic elements
- insects and queen bee
- abstract no-board connection game
- tight, two-player strategy with tactile pieces
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- asymmetric movement — each insect has unique movement; players place and move pieces to encircle the opponent's queen bee
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Hive is a two-player abstract game where players are trying to surround the other players queen bee.
- these components are cardboard they're basically coasters you can put your drink on it
- Jungle Speed does not fit in your pocket
- it's cobb coop cube coop actually another name for it is viking chess
- you can leave your box at home but it absolutely fits your pocket
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 5wAuzaqDEjs
Cardboard Herald general_discussion at 27:22 sentiment: neutral
video_pk 5898 · mention_pk 17477
Click to watch at 27:22 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
neutral
Pros
- good two-player game
Cons
- not played frequently
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Your things become burdens
- The stuff you own end up owning you
- A game is about getting played, about having fun, about bringing joy
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video _hc8JbbRCK8
Foster the Meeple general_discussion at 8:22 sentiment: positive
video_pk 3469 · mention_pk 10281
Click to watch at 8:22 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- highly portable, fits in a bag
- deep strategic depth in a small footprint
- replayable with various expansions
Cons
- some expansions add complexity
- pocket version is pricey relative to base game
Thematic elements
- insect swarm vs. swarm
- portable, pocket-sized abstract battlefield with insect-inspired pieces
- abstract
Comparison games
- Cathedral
- Santorini
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- area containment — surrounding the opponent's queen with bug tiles ends the game
- tile/stacked-tiles movement — each piece has unique movement rules; aim is to surround the opponent's queen
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's 100% strategy you are just trying to optimize the placement of your pieces and trying to block the other person
- it's the cutest version of a chess like game
- Santorini is probably one of the closest like direct comparisons
- Go which is probably even older than chess and more popular than chess
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video GGsz1oocD1o
Phenomena top_10_list at 5:16 sentiment: positive
video_pk 3025 · mention_pk 8835
Click to watch at 5:16 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- compact, tactile pieces; deep strategic options
Cons
- can escalate quickly; some players dislike abstract play
Thematic elements
- insects, colony defense, abstract strategy
- Insect world battlefield with a queen bee as central piece
- clever puzzle, tactical combat
Comparison games
- Chess
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- abstract area control — pieces move with unique rules to outmaneuver the opponent
- minimal components — stackable, stack-free pieces create a living board
- queen bee protection — losing queen means losing the game
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- board gaming remains the best thing in a bad world
- this is a collection starter and this time we're looking at ten terrific two player games
- it's watertight... you feel like you're scraping your elbows on the sides of the game
- it's a wonderful little gem from Tim Fowlers and Ace Artist Ryan Goldsbury who channels that particular 50s and 60s era art...
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Wsl3PqZR-1E
Board Game Hangover top_10_list at 3:19 sentiment: positive
video_pk 2027 · mention_pk 5806
Click to watch at 3:19 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- fast-paced and tight
- clever abstract strategy with tactile pieces
Cons
- some players may crave more thematic context
Thematic elements
- insect-themed abstract strategy
- abstract bug-based board with no fixed grid
- minimal and elegant
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- imminent capture and block — goal is to immobilize the opponent's key piece
- no fixed board — the playing area is formed by piece placement and movement
- placement and movement of pieces — each piece has unique movement; the board is created as you play
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- the back of the card is unique and the name of the deck is unique
- this deck there is no other like this deck in the world
- in mind bug you have to kill the other player by taking away his three life points or making sure he kind of runs out of cards
- I could use a mind bug and steal that card
- it's super quick, it's super simple
- Summoner Wars is an amazing two-player tactical battle
- the best game of all time for two people that get together and want to punch each other's faces with cards
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video PJsV5NmkbdQ
J's Channel playthrough at 0:24 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1091 · mention_pk 3161
Click to watch at 0:24 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Thematic and cohesive integration of multiple mechanics
- Colorful, attractive art and color coding reinforce theme
- Deep puzzle with meaningful choices and variability via multiple maps/sheets
- Interesting interaction between dice, resources, and hive layout
Cons
- Steep learning curve; rules are lengthy and edge cases frequent
- Long playtime; not ideal for casual sessions
- Setup and bookkeeping can be fiddly and time-consuming
Thematic elements
- Bees, nectar, honey production, and bee bread integration
- Beehive colony environment; hive building and bee management
- Educational playthrough with live commentary
Comparison games
- Waggle Dance
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Bread level upgrades — Upgrading bread levels requires matching dice numbers; higher bread levels unlock more bonuses and actions.
- Dice-based worker placement — Dice act as workers; players roll and assign dice to actions, with rerolls and penalties.
- Lava/larva mechanic — Lava placements grant HP and allow larva placement that boosts hive capacity and options.
- Pattern/color adjacency scoring — Colors must not touch other colors in specific ways; adjacency affects hex/HP bonuses.
- Polyomino-like hive construction — Players place colored shapes within a hive grid; adjacency and color constraints affect bonuses and layout.
- Resource management (nectar, bee bread, HP) — Nectar and be bread levels drive feeding and HP; reaching higher bread levels increases HP for the die.
- Seasonal effects and migration — Each season causes HP and population shifts; migration occurs after completing a hive.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- The theme is wonderful; I really like the theme and it's quite thematic.
- This is a very tough game; it's not only long but very tough to learn.
- The colors tie into everything; the colors tie into every aspect of the game, which is really cool.
- I think it's a very cool game; the mechanisms tie well into one another.
- The rules are written quite well but there are a lot of rules and entry level is a little higher.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 57Z9efWJrTg
Board Game Coffee general_discussion at 3:14 sentiment: positive
video_pk 984 · mention_pk 2754
Click to watch at 3:14 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- compact and portable two-player abstract
- clever use of asymmetric pieces and movement
Cons
- abstract nature may limit thematic immersion for some players
Thematic elements
- abstract strategy with tile placement
Comparison games
- Arimaa
- Blokus
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- asymmetric pieces — each piece has unique movement, driving strategic depth without a fixed board.
- tile placement — players place insect-shaped tiles with varying movement rules to encircle or outmaneuver the opponent.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Wavelength's a lot of fun
- Canvas is a great game it's beautiful and clever
- Crowd games sponsoring this giveaway
- a smaller more portable version of Terraforming Mars
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video fBWDfXE9xsU
Adam Porter top_10_list at 5:22 sentiment: positive
video_pk 988 · mention_pk 2768
Click to watch at 5:22 · YouTube ↗
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- rich geometric piece shapes
- no board required beyond the pieces themselves
Cons
- can feel abstractly similar to other pursuit games
Thematic elements
Comparison games
- Abalone
- Gipf
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- surround and capture — aim to surround the opponent's queen bee on a hex grid
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- these games have no theme
- it's a toolbox for you as a game designer which of these mechanisms do you want to employ in your own abstract strategy game
- product design is everything
- the single most impactful feature of connect 4 was that little hatch beneath the frame
- abstract strategy games are some of the most interactive games in existence
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Transcript Navigation
Showing 1–19 of 19