WINGSPAN: DOES IT SOAR OR BORE?

Wingspan is a game that has built a reputation since its release in 2019. It has been heralded as both a crunchy game for board game veterans/enthusiasts and newcomers to the hobby alike. With over 1 million copies sold, I felt it was time to finally see what all the hype was about. Is it a game that I could enjoy, being a medium to heavy game hobbyist, or is it better saved for those that are novices in the community? Will the game soar onto my tabletop often like a majestic Bald Eagle, or will it sit on my shelf and annoy me by its presence like the birds on my bedroom windowsill at 6am?

Wingspan is a game that has built a reputation since its release in 2019. It has been heralded as both a crunchy game for board game veterans/enthusiasts and newcomers to the hobby alike. With over 1 million copies sold, I felt it was time to finally see what all the hype was about. Is it a game that I could enjoy, being a medium to heavy game hobbyist, or is it better saved for those that are novices in the community? Will the game soar onto my tabletop often like a majestic Bald Eagle, or will it sit on my shelf and annoy me by its presence like the birds on my bedroom windowsill at 6am?

FOR THE LOVE OF ANALYSIS PARALYSIS

So having spent the weekend now as a fully grown adult all snug in my bed, while visions of Yellow Billed Cuckoos and Bushtits danc’d in my head, the memories of critical decisions came flooding into my mind that led to my floppy crash landing in my most recent game against my partner. Should I have played the Snowy Egret or the Red-Winged Blackbird into my bird preservation? Or should I have laid eggs, creating a point explosion across my board that would make the Cadbury factory low in stock for next Easter?

Bugs, cherries, grain, or fish? If you think that's a hard decision, you're in for a rude awakening... (in a good way!)

Wingspan is a game that provokes incapacitating decision-making moments for every player, but though this can be an annoyance and aggravating experience in other games, Wingspan provides something that many other games do not. Each card (bird) in your hand, not to mention the ones in the bush, has information about the birds to peruse as you wait for other players to agonize over their next action. With little factoids about each bird, the genus/species name under the “common name”, and even the wingspan of the bird, the game allows for not only an aesthetic experience with beautifully artistic representations of the birds themselves but also an educational experience. I found myself “getting to know” my birds more intimately the longer they were a part of my hand of cards, and when I finally played it, I felt like I was releasing a part of my own flock.

There aren’t many games that my turn comes around and I’m disappointed because I wasn’t finished reading and learning about something new; who knew that the Purple Gallinule (Parphyria martinicus) had long toes that allow it to walk on lily pads without sinking? That’s so cool!!! For families that play games together, Wingspan is a fantastic choice to smuggle in an educational experience into their game-time (think hiding vegetables in a picky-eater’s dinner). Angela Hargrave, the game’s designer, has done a great job to provide an experience that encourages re-playability through wanting to learn about the natural world around us. Though the decision time for each player can be time-consuming, I am happy to have the waiting time filled with something of utility. I have found a love for other’s analysis-paralysis.

A NEST OF QUALITY AND CARE

Stonemaier Games has always been known for providing game components that far surpass the status-quo, and Wingspan does not disappoint. With attractive artwork on each card (and every card is unique), component trays included to keep everything organized and displayed on the table for easy access, and pastel coloured mini-eggs that make me wish they were filled with chocolate each time I pick one up, Wingspan provides an aesthetic that perfectly fits with the game and theme.

These glorious eggs feel so great to the touch, and pose the important question... Are you a multicoloured egger or a monochromatic maniac?

When looking to “table” a game, I often have visions of what kind of workload I have ahead of me to simply start playing the game. With Wingspan, you simply remove the card tray, the component trays, and unfold the player boards and you’re ready to go!! Sometimes great games in my library don’t make it to the table simply because of how involved they are to take-out and pack-up; Wingspan will not be one of those games. When time is a commodity that gaming groups find hard to give up, I have no doubt that Wingspan may be an answer to this concern. And with families, it can exchange setup for more quality playtime!

As for the components themselves, they are clearly made with a prudent and careful attention to detail. Already mentioned are the educational facets of each card (bird), which alone make for a design detail that oozes care for the game theme/subject, but the artwork of each bird is gorgeous as well. Sure, a stock photo of each bird may have been fine; however, I feel the game would not have reached its popularity and reputation without the stunning renderings of each bird as a work of art. I will draw each card off the top of the deck and take that extra moment to admire the exquisiteness of each bird revealed.

Not only is the artwork on the hundreds of cards unique, it is also gorgeous and frame-worthy. 

Furthermore, many game designers/companies may have been fine with providing the egg components of the game as typical punch-out tokens, but Wingspan executes this to perfection with the included mini-eggs in pastel colours. One can continually make reference to the obvious Cadbury product we know and love, and it fits perfectly with the aesthetic and theme of the game. Each egg laying action feels so good as you cover your board with deluxe components that make the mouth water. Again, the game would not have the same panache that it does without the delectably aesthetic choice to use the components included; maybe something other game designers can take note of. Wingspan is undoubtedly an aesthetic experience that will keep you coming back for more and will entice others to it like a flock of Branta canadersis (Canada Goose).

FINAL FLIGHT

So after finally trying this popular game, I am happy to say it lives up to the hype and will definitely soar to my table many times in the future. Whether I am playing with other seasoned gamers or trying to engage friends and family new to the hobby, this game will certainly see many plays to come. With a delightfully educational side that makes the time in-between turns a newfound enjoyment and the careful attention to quality and aesthetics in the game itself, Wingspan is a game that will make a budding ornithologist out of anyone.

FINAL VERDICT

Think this game is worthy of adding to your collection? Buy Wingspan online now!