How many players can play Hive?

Hive is designed for 2 players.

How long does a game of Hive take?

A typical game of Hive takes approximately 20 minutes.

What are the best video reviews of Hive?

MindForge has curated 36 video reviews of Hive from top board game content creators.

What type of game is Hive?

Hive features mechanics including Action points, Area Control, end game bonuses, Resource management, tile placement.

Hive - Board Game | MindForge

Video 5AePrh3uTP8 Preview at 1:56 sentiment: positive

video_pk 69141 · mention_pk 165496

Click to watch at 1:56 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Interesting twist on trick-taking
Scoring mechanic encourages aiming for a specific total
Guaranteed to get played on an upcoming weekend trip

Cons

Potentially complex scoring can make eyes cross and brain go away

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Hearts
Spades

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Hidden Information — Players can ditch cards face down, keeping their contents unknown.
set collection — Collecting tricks to score points, aiming for a specific total.
Trick-taking — A trick-taking game similar to Hearts or Spades but with a twist.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Everyone seems to be chasing this new card game fascination.
As a person who really enjoys when a game comes with great packaging and great graphic design, they really did, I think, a good job setting this product apart.
This is one of those quiet games at the table. It's very thinky.
This is like one of those rockus party games where everybody's going to be yelling at each other.
I'm a sucker for packaged sets of games. I really am.
Until next time though, make sure everyone has fun at the table, and we'll see you then.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 7ToQ7-viITY Top List at 9:21 sentiment: positive

video_pk 69143 · mention_pk 165510

Click to watch at 9:21 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Durable acrylic tiles are resistant to weather
No board needed, board is created during play
Can be played on any surface, including the ground
Always comes to mind for outdoor play

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Insect combat and strategy

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

abstract strategy — A game with no theme and pure strategic decision-making.
Movement programming — Each bug type has a unique way of moving.
perfect information — All information is available to all players.
tile placement — Players place tiles to form the playing area and move pieces.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

We are doing our top 10 games to play outside.
Sky Team is fantastic. It's a wonderful game. It's one of our favorite two-player games.
These big chunky pieces, if it's a little windy, that's not going anywhere.
This is one of our favorite travel games and it's a perfect one to play outside.
This is a game I can actually say from experience. I've played this outside and it works great.
It is a great silly like I said campfire style game.
This is a game where there's not a lot of components. You don't need a table for this. You can kind of just be in the same place just just hanging out with this game.
The monster parts lock into place, preventing them from being knocked over.
So, it almost works if you're doing there's lots of kids around and you put it on a table in between dealing with the small children, you can come back to that game and it's going to be totally fine.
It is a wonderful beer and pretzel styles game, playing this around um a campfire or around a table, whatever the case is.
This game is the reason why we came up with this list, and that is Hive.
These have those big chunky acrylic tiles. They are not going to get ruined. It is okay if they face the elements. Nothing is going to happen.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 7edsTkeoo4k Discussion at 12:54 sentiment: negative

video_pk 69000 · mention_pk 165306

Click to watch at 12:54 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

negative

Pros

Production quality is fine.
The board with multi-layered tiles that you dig through is liked.

Cons

Sucked.
Boring.
Punishing.
Luck driven.
Went on for faking ever.
Massive identity crisis.
Tries to do everything and pleases nobody.
Box states 90-120 minutes, took over 3 hours.
Objectives are not particularly interesting and if you don't get them, you lose points.
No way to tell if you've found the right artifact shape before excavating.
Can be screwed over by turn order.
Player powers are not balanced.
Rulebook is not clear.
Reference aid misses key details.
Movement system is clunky and not intuitive.
Gimmick wears off quickly.
Mechanics, objectives, and player powers all have problems.
Very little redeemable in the first edition.

Thematic elements

Archaeology
Archaeological dig site

Comparison games

Ticket to Ride

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Action points — The AP nature of this game, oh my god, because it's tactical.
set collection — Artifact tiles are set collection for objectives, for points.
take that — It doesn't know whether it wants to be some silly haha in your face, oh, I screwed you over game with take that mechanics.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

If you feed me generic like, you know, this is a Euro game about building an industry in the 19th century in Birmingham. Yay. Great.
So, I do love deck building, but it's being used a ton.
I'm no longer putting too much emphasis on the name on the box, but the name on the box would certainly maybe get me less excited for a game.
The industry can afford to slow down a bit, not release thousands and thousands and thousands of games every year because we can't physically play them all.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video VyHsrEBBSLI Analysis at 3:03 sentiment: positive

video_pk 67707 · mention_pk 163892

Click to watch at 3:03 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Remarkably accurate at predicting life's ups and downs.
The 'giant edition' is fancy.

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Life simulation

Comparison games

Monopoly
Connect 4
Risk
Oll
Operation
Sorry
Ticket to Ride
Katon
Azul
Domino's
Clue
Kingdom Death Monster
DND

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Life simulation — The core theme of the game.
roll and move — Implied by the game's nature as a classic family game.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Do I say the words Kingdom Death Monster?
Are these games still good? I guess is the question. Are they worth saving? Are they worth holding on to? Are they worth purchasing?
It could be that the quality of the games have just increased so dramatically that these really fall into the wayside.
Monopoly has opened the door for players all around the world to be very comfortable house ruling and playing from a teach and never actually reading the rule book which in some ways is a benefit to our space.
I don't think they're good games, but I did grow up loving and enjoying gaming because of them.
Imagine a, you know, uh, deluxified, you know, full, uh, full build operation game produced by like Awaken Realms or something along those lines...
Driving is the single most dangerous thing basically any of us do on a daily basis.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video qPvdZur-2YA Review at 0:00 sentiment: positive

video_pk 66590 · mention_pk 162273

Click to watch at 0:00 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Cool abstract game
Simple premise
Tactical depth
Intriguing maze-like quality

Cons

Devoid of theme (typical for abstract games, but not explicitly stated as a con for this game)

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Blocking/Obstruction — Wall pieces are used to hinder the progress of the other player, slow them down, or make them go around an obstacle.
Movement — Players move their pawn from one edge to the other edge of the board.
piece placement — Players can place out a wall piece, which touches two square spaces.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I am allured by mazes.
Whilst on the surface it sounds incredibly simple, there's a lot of tactical depth to the game.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video WZp2H_60To4 Allies or Enemies Top 10 List at 5:46 sentiment: positive

video_pk 66212 · mention_pk 160971

Click to watch at 5:46 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Portable, board-free design with weighty tacticals
Different insect pieces move in distinct ways, creating rich strategy
Quality components add to the feel of the game

Cons

Abstract theme may not appeal to everyone

Thematic elements

insects and bugs surrounding a central queen bee
Abstract strategy without a traditional board
elegant, minimalistic

Comparison games

chess
abstract strategy games

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

abstract strategy — Players maneuver insect pieces with unique movement abilities; perfect information and no randomness.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

it's really different from chess
it's different cards every time
it's a really quick playing kind of tableau builder
the art this is like a neon pinks and blues which I'm such a sucker for
it's basically bug chess
it's the same game again so you got air, land and sea you got three different theaters
it's a two-player drafting game
surrounding different regions of Rome and you're Pompey versus Caesar
this is when you're talking about it being like a full game this fills your table

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 2ZaQKY0M6lc Game Night Picks - Pair Of Dice Paradise Analysis at 3:42 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 65586 · mention_pk 159303

Click to watch at 3:42 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

Nice little abstract game
Functional tutorial (iOS)
Solo play against AI (iOS)
Pass and play (iOS/Android)
Solo play puzzles (Android)
Online play against friends (Android)
Great 2 player abstract game

Cons

iOS app presentation is gloomy
iOS app camera is difficult to orient
iOS app 3D models have black aliased pixels, making them seem cheap and outdated
iOS app controls are unresponsive
iOS app tile placement is counterintuitive
iOS app experience feels slow, dull, and sterile
Android version has no AI
Android version has no tutorial
Android version links to rules in an online document

Thematic elements

Insect Army

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

abstract game — The game is described as a nice little abstract game.
movement rules — Each insect piece has its own movement rules.
Placement Requirements — There are basic placement requirements, such as never dividing the hive.
tile laying — The game is described as a tile-laying game where players place tiles representing insects.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

they say that you can't judge a book by it's cover but can you judge a board game by its app
my experience with the apt version the board game ruined the whole thing for me
my experience with the iOS app caused the game to fall to the back of the pack to the bottom of the stack
Has an app ever diminished your interest in the physical version of a board game or increased it?

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video VMXk1TURce4 kovray Top List at 6:09 sentiment: positive

video_pk 64824 · mention_pk 158372

Click to watch at 6:09 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Very cool game.
Gives Calico vibes.
Satisfying combos for extra points.
Perfect difficulty with enough crunch.
Can be played every day.
Wonderful production with indented boards and wooden tokens.
Art by Lucas Sigman is beautiful and summery.

Cons

Can be hard to achieve the maximum combo (e.g., completing four goals at once).

Thematic elements

Placing goods and goals to score points.

Comparison games

Calico
Tacto

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Pattern Building — Players need to arrange tiles to meet row, column, or diagonal goal requirements.
Push Your Luck — Players can choose to go for harder goals or combo goals for more points.
set collection — Players aim to complete goals by placing tiles.
tile placement — Goods or tiles are placed onto the player's board.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

We played over 120 different games, geez.
It's an absolute presence on the table, holy moly, talk about taking up space.
The deck is so big that it has that Terraforming Mars feel where the combinations are always really different.
It really focuses on the conservation piece, environmentalism piece, and it really makes you not feel so bad for owning a zoo.
This is your favorite game and you can't even say it right.
This is your engine buildy dice manipulation worker placement game or a set collection game that was the other thing I was looking for.
I feel like I fall in love again and again.
It's just a lot and it's everything.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video QxNz2ttP_U8 Rolls in the Family Top List at 2:33 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 63750 · mention_pk 157259

Click to watch at 2:33 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Area Control — players move insect-like pieces around a hex grid to surround a target (the queen bee).
pinning / connectivity rule — pieces can be pinned or make the hive connectivity sensitive; breaking or maintaining the hive connectivity matters.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

it's like building a Lego set and I'm and then watch your brother come in and just smash it.
watch as your pieces get just like pinned down
you're surrounded by the queen bee
it's a tug-of-war
the bluffing style of games

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video 4xusEcU6-vI Getting Games Rules Teach at 0:32 sentiment: neutral

video_pk 63393 · mention_pk 156782

Click to watch at 0:32 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

neutral

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

archaeology/excavation and exploration of ruins under ice
frozen icy wastes with a multi-layer ice sheet
instructional

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Action points — Excavation costs start at three action points and are reduced by the number of archaeologists on the tile; costs can be increased by tents or special tiles; excavated tiles reveal deeper layers and artifacts.
Area movement — Expedition leaders move to adjacent tiles; leaders can carry up to three neutral archaeologists with them when moving.
Artifact management — Artifacts appear on revealed tiles; they can be active or inactive, and there are prismatic (wild) artifacts; artifacts can be activated by placing other artifacts on stacks and can grant ongoing abilities.
Campsite building — Players place neutral campsites on the board with a rule that campsites must be at least three hex tiles apart; placing a campsite also moves the expedition leader onto the new campsite.
end game bonuses — Game ends after eight days or when an ancient edifice tile is completely revealed; scoring involves requests, side requests, decree cards, and artifacts.
End game conditions — Game ends after eight days or when an ancient edifice tile is completely revealed; scoring involves requests, side requests, decree cards, and artifacts.
End of day actions — At end of day, players can spend artifacts to activate various request cards; end-of-day actions typically do not cost action points and can rearrange artifacts on the board.
Excavation — Excavation costs start at three action points and are reduced by the number of archaeologists on the tile; costs can be increased by tents or special tiles; excavated tiles reveal deeper layers and artifacts.
exploration and movement — Expedition leaders move to adjacent tiles; leaders can carry up to three neutral archaeologists with them when moving.
Resource management — Artifacts appear on revealed tiles; they can be active or inactive, and there are prismatic (wild) artifacts; artifacts can be activated by placing other artifacts on stacks and can grant ongoing abilities.
Tile collapsing — Tiles can collapse when excavated, removing collapsed tiles and returning any on-top pieces to their respective pools or boards; collapsed tiles may reveal deeper layers or artifacts.
Tile/Map Shifting — Tiles can collapse when excavated, removing collapsed tiles and returning any on-top pieces to their respective pools or boards; collapsed tiles may reveal deeper layers or artifacts.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

for ice in this video i'll be teaching you the rules to the game as it's being played
in the middle of the table we have a hexagonal grid of tiles
five layers of hexagonal tiles out here on this board
the basic cost to excavate a tile is three action points
we are going to be the starting player down here

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video QxhyeEkfxeY Allies or Enemies Top List at 4:43 sentiment: positive

video_pk 61205 · mention_pk 153886

Click to watch at 4:43 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

strong abstract puzzle with no board
high-quality components and tactile pieces

Cons

requires careful strategic play and may feel dense for new players

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)

this time on allies or enemies we are counting down our top 10 small box games for two players
these are great games at low cost that don't take up too much room

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video _DhIh6t9W2c Allies or Enemies Top List at 15:53

video_pk 61162 · mention_pk 153737

Click to watch at 15:53 · YouTube ↗

Pros

none

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Array
Array
insect chess with surrounding the queen
Array
abstract two-player battlefield of insects
Array
Array
Array
positive

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Mechanics unknown.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

it's just like a super easy to teach but super mean game that you can play with your family
I love games where you're involved on everyone's turn
the expansions have added a lot to it
the production value of the aliens those miniatures
this is basically alien the board game

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video Rp8vOUPx-7k Allies or Enemies Top List at 19:03 sentiment: positive

video_pk 61186 · mention_pk 153820

Click to watch at 19:03 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Unique abstract feel with tactile pieces
Accessible, yet strategic and elegant

Cons

none

Thematic elements

Insects in a free-form, boardless setting
Abstract hive/ant-insect system

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Asymmetric Mechanics — Different insects move differently, creating dynamic play.
Asymmetric movement/interaction — Different insects move differently, creating dynamic play.
tile placement — Each insect tile has a unique movement pattern; no shared board.
Tile placement / placement-less play — Each insect tile has a unique movement pattern; no shared board.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

it's gorgeous
everything about this game is gorgeous
it's jazz chess with insects
it's a combat game that I really like
don't be turned off by it being too pretty

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video bunJuVsckjU The Board Game Garden Rules Teach at 1:00 sentiment: positive

video_pk 60528 · mention_pk 152908

Click to watch at 1:00 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Beautiful illustrations and high aesthetic quality
Multiple editions and solo/multiplayer options
Deep, crunchy, rolling-right style gameplay with polyomino puzzle elements
Clear rule references and prototype quality described as nice

Cons

Prototype status subject to change
Complex rules may have a steep learning curve
Legacy mode adds extra complexity and planning

Thematic elements

Bees, hive-building, survival
Bee colony in a four-season world
abstract, nature-themed with polyomino mechanics

Comparison games

Hrien's Wall
Twilight Inscription
Tend

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Bakery feeding/upgrading of die faces — Feed dice by upgrading bee bread levels; sixes cannot be fed (wild).
dice-driven worker placement — Roll dice (up to 10 based on population) to determine actions in four hive areas; six is wild.
HP track as win/lose condition — Health points determine victory when reaching thriving; reaching 0 leads to loss.
Larvae action with polyomino drawing — Choose tend eggs or tend larvae; color-coded polyomino shapes drawn into a grid.
Larvae scoring and population — Completing a hive scores HP based on color groupings, and population increases.
Migration and legacy mode — Legacy campaigns with honey resource and upgrades; progressive scenarios.
Polyomino — Choose tend eggs or tend larvae; color-coded polyomino shapes drawn into a grid.
Royal jelly jars and queen's rewards — Collect royal jelly jars by coloring with die colors; rewards enhance future turns.
Season track and seasonal effects — Four seasons, each with effects, crossed out over turns; end after 16 turns.
worker placement — Repurpose, Bakery, Larvae Chamber, Queen's Attendance, each with its own actions.
Worker placement spots — Repurpose, Bakery, Larvae Chamber, Queen's Attendance, each with its own actions.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

Hive was actually a print and play that I did see quite a while back and now they are coming out with a physical version of Hive.
This is primarily a solo game, but there is also ... multiplayer
A very nice prototype
Beeb bread, which it's the cutest sounding thing ever.
Sixes are wild

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video H3byKQz2dVE Grant Lyon Discussion at 0:40 sentiment: positive

video_pk 59375 · mention_pk 151957

Click to watch at 0:40 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

portable and fast-paced
high player interaction
deep strategic decisions for two players

Cons

primarily a two-player experience
newer players may need time to learn the various insect abilities

Thematic elements

insects trying to surround the opponent's Queen
abstract strategy; insects theme
abstract, tactical

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

tile placement — place hexagonal insect pieces to strategically surround the opponent's queen

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

you want board games for a couple at a brewery
you are placing kittens and cats on the bed and trying to Boop your opponent's kittens and cats off of the bed so you can line up three of your cats in a row
aul is a puzzly abstract game where you are drafting tiles and then adding them to your own personal player board
Hive is a quick playing game where you're placing down these chunky tiles that represent different insects trying to surround your opponent's Queen

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video JATZyPsIqPg Game Night Picks - Pair Of Dice Paradise Discussion at 14:03 sentiment: neutral

video_pk 42254 · mention_pk 128191

Click to watch at 14:03 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

neutral

Pros

Has nostalgic or social value for the group during conventions
Offers a different pace from heavier strategy games

Cons

Can be dull if players are disinterested
May not suit players who dislike social deduction elements

Thematic elements

Comparison games

Don't Mess With Cthulhu
Damage Report

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Thematic bluffing and social interaction — Players engage in a social game with hidden information and devious decisions.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I realized I have been a victim of doing this very thing.
I would make anybody play Strike as well but that's not the that's not that's not.
Don't Mess With Cthulu... the little card game social deduction game.
you keep hoping that some times you feel like people are missing out on something that they may like.
I try when that happens to me... I try to give it my all for the remainder of the game but that can be very difficult.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video Rf9q7-h3twI Stonemaier Games Analysis at 0:04 sentiment: positive

video_pk 40233 · mention_pk 121690

Click to watch at 0:04 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Clever fixed-target bidding in a trick-taking frame
Magenta five mechanism provides flexible play
Simple to learn with depth that grows with play

Cons

Bidding may feel limited since everyone bids the same target
Late-round math can be tedious for some players

Thematic elements

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Compound Scoring — Players win tricks whose card values sum toward 25; busting over 25 loses points.
Magenta five follow/lead rule — Back of every card is a magenta five; a magenta five can be played to follow or lead a trick, providing flexible options.
Sum-based scoring to a target — Players win tricks whose card values sum toward 25; busting over 25 loses points.
Trick-taking — All players bid the same number (25); scoring is the sum of captured card values toward that target, without going over.
Trick-taking with fixed-target bidding — All players bid the same number (25); scoring is the sum of captured card values toward that target, without going over.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

this is a bidding game. This is a bidding trick- taking game, but all players are bidding the same exact thing.
All players are bidding the number 25.
So at any given time, you have magenta fives that you can play from your hand.

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video EQuDCSvXXB8 Board Games for One Rules Teach at 2:00 sentiment: positive

video_pk 33007 · mention_pk 97864

Click to watch at 2:00 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Beautiful print-and-play presentation; accessible for a PnP audience
Multiple difficulty levels via star-based variants (starter to advanced)
Strong solo puzzle appeal noted by the presenter
Provides a two-player variant for broader play
Clear, structured turn flow with tangible progression across seasons

Cons

Rule complexity and terminology (bread, nectar, larvae, etc.) may overwhelm newcomers
The bees theme may be confusing for players expecting a traditional Hive insect lineup
PnP setup requires printing, coloring supplies, and dice; can be fiddly for casual players
Some concepts (seasonal effects, hive migration) can create linear complexity that slows learning

Thematic elements

Colony-building with bees, nectar, larvae, and queen's favors
Bees and hive colony management across four seasons
Array

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Bread (resource) phase — Bread levels increase as dice are placed in the bread area; higher bread levels help sustain or increase health and provide progress toward endgame objectives.
Dice pool and allocation — A pool of dice (workers) is rolled up to either the current population or a capped limit, and players assign dice to actions. A die can be rerolled if desired, depending on the available reroll option.
end game bonuses — End conditions include max HP, full hive completion, or turn-end survival; scoring is derived from nectar, hive completion, queen’s favors, and health jackpots.
Endgame and Scoring — End conditions include max HP, full hive completion, or turn-end survival; scoring is derived from nectar, hive completion, queen’s favors, and health jackpots.
Health (HP) tracking — Health points drive the victory/defeat condition; the health track is advanced by certain actions and decreased by others (including seasonal penalties).
Nectar placement and scoring — Nectar is placed into hive cells; scoring is determined by counting contiguous or non-contiguous color blocks, with larvae being colorless. The total health gain equals the score derived from nectar placement.
Population and color interaction — Population increases based on how many different colors were touched in the relevant actions; each color touched contributes to population growth per rules.
Queen’s favors — Upon filling the five-color pot, players may select from four Queen’s favors granting immediate or strategic advantages.
Tending eggs/larvae — Allocating dice to eggs or larvae yields population growth and the opportunity to shift the health/population balance via color-matched placement.

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

I think it's absolutely beautiful
This game is a lovely solo puzzle
This is August of 2024 it has a $5 pledge and a $9 pledge comes with six variants that are distinguished by color as well as by stars
Be sure to get you the answers we can

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video gyq_pDFmIcs Adam in Wales - Board Game Design Top 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 Adam in Wales - Board Game Design 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 Before You Play Top 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 nUk8uUb2YEI cardboardrhino Playthrough at 0:14 sentiment: positive

video_pk 11965 · mention_pk 125089

Click to watch at 0:14 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

positive

Pros

Interesting tile excavation mechanism
Multiple layers of strategy
Unique archaeological theme

Cons

Complex rule set
Time-limited gameplay

Thematic elements

Exploration and excavation
Archaeological expedition
Solo adventure

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Action point allocation — Spending action points to move, excavate, and call archaeologists
Action points — Spending action points to move, excavate, and call archaeologists
set collection — Collecting different types of artifacts
Tile mining — Excavating layers of tiles from ice sheets

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

to win the solo game you need to uncover an entire edifice style
i'm pretty sure we got loads of points, i'm pretty sure we won

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video BsfzqCEbxso Adam in Wales - Board Game Design Top 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
Hidden movement — Each insect type has distinct movement powers
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 Pb-czaVBAAk Foster the Meeple Discussion at 12:03 sentiment: mixed

video_pk 11241 · mention_pk 114940

Click to watch at 12:03 · YouTube ↗

Overall sentiment (raw)

mixed

Pros

Quick to teach
Portable

Cons

Abstract feel may not appeal to everyone

Thematic elements

spatial strategy with minimal theming
abstract tile positioning
abstract puzzle

Comparison games

none

Mechanics (from transcript analysis)

Area Control — shape-fitting decisions drive points
area control via shape alignment — shape-fitting decisions drive points
tile placement — play tiles to place on the board and score via placement rules

Video topics + discussion points

No key topics recorded for this video.

Quotes (from this video)

we're here today again for another installment of who plays it better
please subscribe we hope to see you again soon

References (from this video)

No references stored for this video.

Video zre_vtDfROA Board Game Hangover 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 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 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 BoardGameBollocks Top 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 oxOC2yzPfzc Might I Suggest A Game 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 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 Board Game Hangover Top 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 _hc8JbbRCK8 Foster the Meeple 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 No Rolls Barred Top 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 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 57Z9efWJrTg Board Game Coffee 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 in Wales - Board Game Design Top 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.

Hive

15 Seconds to Learn. Lifetime to Master ♟️🌿🧱 #boardgames #strategygame #chess

ICE - Tutorial & Playthrough

ICE - Solo Playthrough | Cardboard Rhino

Images

Hive

15 Seconds to Learn. Lifetime to Master ♟️🌿🧱 #boardgames #strategygame #chess

ICE - Tutorial & Playthrough

ICE - Solo Playthrough | Cardboard Rhino

Images

Welcome Friend

Create a New Guild