Finspan, the newest installment in Stonemaier Games’ acclaimed “Span” series, invites players to explore the vibrant world beneath the waves. Building upon the foundations laid by its predecessors, Wingspan and Wyrmspan, Finspan offers a fresh perspective by immersing players in marine research and aquatic life collection.
Gameplay Overview
In Finspan, players assume the roles of marine researchers aiming to discover and observe a diverse array of aquatic species. The game unfolds over four weeks (rounds), during which players will:
- Play Fish Cards: Populate your ocean zones with various fish species, each offering unique abilities and contributing to your overall strategy.
- Dive Actions: Deploy diver personnel to explore different ocean Depths: the Sunlight, Twilight, and Midnight zones, each providing distinct benefits and opportunities.
- Egg and Young Fish Management: Lay eggs and nurture young fish, balancing their roles as point sources and essential resources for playing new fish cards.
A notable feature is the streamlined resource system. Unlike Wingspan’s multiple food types, Finspan simplifies this by using fish cards as the primary resource, enhancing accessibility without sacrificing strategic depth.
Strategic Depth
Finspan emphasizes spatial strategy through its vertical ocean board, segmented into three depth zones:
- Sunlight Zone: Ideal for species dwelling near the surface.
- Twilight Zone: Home to mid-depth species.
- Midnight Zone: Reserved for deep-sea dwellers.
This structure adds layers to decision-making, as players must consider optimal placements and the benefits of diving through specific zones. The diving mechanic triggers fish abilities and yields resources, encouraging thoughtful planning.
Additionally, the game introduces the concept of forming fish schools. By organizing fish into schools, players can earn significant endgame points, rewarding strategic grouping and movement of fish within their ocean zones.
Components and Presentation
Finspan boasts high-quality components characteristic of Stonemaier Games:
- Art and Design: The game features stunning illustrations that bring the aquatic theme to life.
- Player Boards: The vertical layout of the ocean boards enhances thematic immersion and differentiates Finspan from its predecessors.
- Tokens and Meeples: Including diver meeples and various tokens enriches the tactile experience and gameplay.
However, some players have noted that the player boards are larger than expected, which may require ample table space.
Comparisons to Wingspan and Wyrmspan
While Finspan shares core mechanics with Wingspan and Wyrmspan, it distinguishes itself through:
- Theme: Focusing on marine life offers a fresh aesthetic and educational experience, whereas Wingspan highlights birds and their habitats, and Wyrmspan explores fantasy dragons.
- Resource Management: Using fish cards as resources streamlines gameplay and reduces complexity compared to Wingspan’s more diverse food tokens.
- Spatial Dynamics: The vertical board and depth zones introduce new strategic considerations absent in earlier titles. Wingspan’s horizontal board design focuses on tableau-building, whereas Finspan encourages multi-layered spatial planning.
- Scoring System: While all three games emphasize set collection and endgame scoring, Finspan’s school formation mechanic adds a unique layer of strategy that differentiates it from Wingspan’s bird powers and Wyrmspan’s dragon hoarding.
These elements make Finspan accessible to newcomers while providing seasoned players with novel challenges.
Final Thoughts
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Pros:
- Beautiful artwork and high-quality components
- Unique spatial dynamics with the vertical board
- Streamlined resource management makes gameplay more accessible
- Engaging theme with strong educational value
Cons:
- Large player boards may require more table space
- Slightly simplified mechanics compared to Wingspan may not appeal to all hardcore strategists
- Limited player interaction; most actions are solitary, reducing competitive tension
- Some fish abilities feel underwhelming compared to Wingspan’s diverse bird powers
- Learning curve for new players despite streamlined mechanics
Finspan successfully expands the “Span” series by offering a unique underwater adventure that balances simplicity with strategic richness. Its innovative mechanics and captivating theme make it a worthy addition to any board game collection, appealing to casual gamers and strategy enthusiasts.
To experience the aquatic wonders of Finspan, consider adding it to your collection.
Amazon – Buy Finspan Here
Want to explore more from the Span series? Please read our review of Wyrmspan here: Wyrmspan Review
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