Finspan is one of those games that caught my eye, because i wasn’t sure if there was space for another “Span” game. I quickly discovered that Finspan carves out its own space with fresh mechanics and a distinctive theme. So, if you’re curious about what makes this game tick, let’s take a closer look.
Finspan at a Glance
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of gameplay, here’s a quick overview of the key details:
- Designer: Elizabeth Hargrave
- Publisher: Stonemeier Games
- Player Count: 1-5 players
- Playtime: 45-90 minutes
- Genre: Strategy, tableau-building, engine-building
- Theme: Marine life conservation and fish species management
Finspan follows a similar approach to Wingspan, offering a game focused on collecting and managing species, but with an aquatic twist. Instead of birds, you’ll be working with different fish species, carefully curating your underwater ecosystem while balancing resources and strategic choices.
How to Play Finspan
Finspan is all about managing an efficient underwater ecosystem. The goal is to attract the right fish to your tableau while ensuring they have the conditions they need to thrive. Here’s a breakdown of how a typical game plays out:
- Setup: Each player starts with a personal board representing their aquatic habitat. A shared supply of fish species cards, food tokens, and action dice is placed in the centre.
- Rounds: The game consists of a set number of rounds (typically five). Each round, players take turns choosing from a selection of actions.
- Actions:
- Attract Fish: Draw and play fish cards that add to your ecosystem.
- Feed: Gather the right food tokens to sustain your fish population.
- Breed & Multiply: Some fish species allow for reproduction, increasing your points.
- Special Abilities: Certain cards provide ongoing bonuses or one-time effects.
- Scoring: Points are awarded based on successful ecosystems, diversity, and meeting special objectives. The player with the highest score at the end wins.
There’s plenty of replay value, as different fish species interact in unique ways, and changing objectives mean each game feels fresh.
Finspan vs. Wingspan: How Do They Compare?
The most obvious comparison is with Wingspan, and it’s easy to see why. Both games involve tableau-building, engine-building, and set collection mechanics, but the differences are significant:
- Theme: Wingspan is all about birds, while Finspan focuses on marine ecosystems.
- Resource Management: In Finspan, food sources are more dynamic, as some fish compete for the same resources, adding an extra layer of tension.
- Scoring: Finspan has more varied end-game scoring strategies, making long-term planning crucial.
While Wingspan has a more relaxing feel, Finspan introduces a bit more strategic crunch, especially when it comes to managing resource competition.
Components and Production Quality
One of the biggest draws of modern board games is the sheer quality of components, and Finspan doesn’t disappoint.
- Fish Species Cards: Beautifully illustrated with unique abilities and facts about real-life fish.
- Player Boards: Sturdy and well-designed to track food, fish placement, and bonuses.
- Custom Dice: Used for determining food availability and special effects.
- Resource Tokens: High-quality tokens representing different types of food (krill, plankton, small fish, etc.).
If you love a well-produced game with immersive artwork, Finspan is definitely worth considering.
Playing at Different Player Counts
One of the game’s strengths is its flexibility across different player counts:
- Solo Play: A solid single-player mode with an AI opponent that provides a decent challenge.
- 2-3 Players: Feels strategic and competitive without too much downtime.
- 4-5 Players: The competition for resources becomes much tighter, leading to some tense moments.
Regardless of player count, Finspan scales well, ensuring a balanced experience.
Expansions and Variants
Though Finspan is still relatively new, there are already whispers of expansions that could add new fish species, additional mechanics, and unique objectives. Variants exist to tweak difficulty and introduce asymmetric player powers, making the game even more dynamic.
Other Games You Might Enjoy
If you love Finspan, you might also enjoy these games:
- Oceans – Another marine-themed game with deep strategy and species evolution.
- Ark Nova – A heavier game about managing a zoo, with similar tableau-building mechanics.
- Everdell – While fantasy-themed, it shares engine-building and resource management elements.
- Cascadia – A more relaxed, nature-themed puzzle game with tile placement mechanics.
Final Thoughts
Finspan has quickly become one of my go-to games when I want something strategic yet approachable. It offers enough depth to keep seasoned gamers engaged while remaining accessible to newcomers. Whether you’re drawn in by the stunning artwork or the satisfying gameplay loops, there’s plenty to love about this marine-inspired gem.
If you haven’t played it yet, I highly recommend giving it a try especially if you’re a fan of Wingspan but want something with a bit more bite!