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The relationship between board games and their digital version is quite simple. Either board games get created based on a videogame or they get a digital version. And I love both the “normal” and digital versions of board games. Regular board games for the fact that I can sit around the table with my family and enjoy their company. And the digital versions? Well, those offer a plethora of benefits – no need to spend an hour preparing all the pieces, learning a book of rules, and mostly the ability to play over the Internet – which is greatly appreciated in these troubled times of the coronavirus lockdowns.

And on top of that, the digital versions tend to be cheaper because they don’t need to produce physical items. And Wingspan, well it fits all those points.

The card-board game Wingspan is currently very popular and well-liked by many. So, it only made sense to re-create it into a digital version as well. And, there is no reason why it shouldn’t be as good as the board game. And well, it is as good. The only things that are missing is the ability to smell that new board game smell, touch the pieces and well, enjoy the company of real human beings sitting next to you. But apart from this, it brings all the positives of digital board games.

So, let’s start talking about the game itself. In Wingspan, you are an ornithologist. Your goal is to bring in the best birds to nest in their natural habitats just so you can admire them. And get points so you are the winner in the end.

Wingspan is a board game that lacks a story. That may be a reason why not to play Wingspan for some of you but in my opinion, it doesn’t matter. Yes, there are games where a story is essential, but sometimes, good core gameplay is more than enough. And that’s exactly the case with Wingspan. You get complex mechanics yet, somehow Wingspan manages to engage you. It’s not just about the points. You actually care about gathering berries and seeds, laying eggs, the shapes of the nests, and just marvel at the beauty Wingspan offers. And while doing so you get to learn in a fun way.

Underneath it all, you get some rules. Three different biomes, where in the first you need to gather something yummy, in the second you lay eggs, and in the third, you get to get more cards with birds into your hand. But, to get them to stay with your little group you need to bribe them with their favorite food, get them a place in their proffered biome, or even get them an egg. In return, the birds will provide you with the aforementioned points and sometimes even bonus abilities – such as more food, cards, or extra points. Sounds easy? Well, it’s not. The game can quickly grow to be insanely complex.

Playing against the AI is easy. But once you get real players in – no matter whether they will be randoms from the Internet or your family and friends – can figure out combos that will make your head spin. And that’s exactly why the game offers a plethora of options on how to play with other people. You can use local multiplayer if your Internet doesn’t work, online with two different ways to play – either real-time where the turns are limited to 5 minutes per turn or asynchronous where each player has 24 hours to finish a turn. The first allows for relatively fast games and the other allows you to play even with people that don’t have the same schedule as you have. It’s a good compromise that allows you to play with anyone.

There are a few things that aren’t perfect though. Picking cars into your hand is an imprecise mess. The game could use a bit more automation – like when you have your last egg, why doesn’t it just use it automatically and forces you to click it? And lastly, the game needs a much better tutorial. Those who haven’t played the board game version will need a few games before they get the hang of it.

Conclusion

So… in conclusion: Wingspan is a great remake of a popular board game into a digital format. It offers a lot more relaxing content that will draw you in to play again and again. It does have a few flaws though – the rules could be more clear for sure and if you plan to play it with your children it is a good idea to play it first against the AI and online players to get a good grip on the rules so you are able to explain them. But overall, if you are looking for a game that will teach you, your family, and your friends Wingspan is a great choice.

So, that’s it for today guys. I hope you liked the review and if you did, please up-vote the review, follow my blog, and be sure to share it with your friends. And comment, if you have anything you would like to add. See you guys later with more gaming content.