Remember that time when your friend group was obsessed with Sushi Go!? Yeah, me too. In a way, we still are, but we crave a bit more complexity and with life, our 8 people gatherings are more sporadic.
My game nights are usually my wife and I or a group of four. That's why Hens (click me for board game review) is my top 2023 game. This charming little card game from Little Rocket Games has quickly become my go-to for those nights when I want something light, strategic, and adorable all rolled into one (pun intended). While Sushi Go! will always hold a special place in my heart, Hens offers a surprising amount of depth for a game that can be played in just 15-20 minutes. The game plays well solo, as a duel, and at 3 and 4 player count.
Why Hens Should Be Your Next Play
Here's what makes Hens such a delightful game:
Quick and Easy to Learn: Just like Sushi Go!, Hens is a breeze to teach and play. New players can be clucking along (strategically placing their chicken cards) within minutes
Adorable Chicken Theme: Look, Sushi Go! has its charm, but can you beat beautifully illustrated cards featuring a variety of fluffy chicken breeds? I've verified that the pretty chicken types are in deed real (which still blows my mind). Hens is a feast for the eyes in addition to the brain
Strategic Depth for the Chicken Whisperer in You: Don't be fooled by the simple rules! Hens offers a surprising amount of strategic thinking. The game plays over 12 rounds where you draft two cards, play a card, and discard a card. The catch? You can only play cards orthogonally adjacent that are either the same color or go up or down by one number. This becomes incredibly harder as you play along. That makes the game both extremely frustrating and satisfying when you draw the exact card or number you've been waiting for
Hens for Fans of Other Card Games
How does Hens compare to other board game staples? Well, Hens borrows the concept of collecting sets of cards to score points, a mechanic common in point salad games.
Sushi Go!: Like I mentioned, Hens offers a similar card drafting mechanic to Sushi Go!, but with a bit more complexity. The fact that the game plays over twelve rounds and that you can only score on your largest and second largest group, makes you think twice on what to do. Plus, Hens has a lot of replayability. As you become more comfortable with the game, you are able to add extra scoring conditions
Arboretum: If you love the card drafting and set collection of Arboretum, you'll find some similarities in Hens. However, Hens offers a lighter feel and a shorter playing time, perfect for those nights when you want a quicker game. Also, let's be honest, Arboretum can get a little mean with the take-that aspect. Hens is all about creating your own flocktastic farmyard, with no need to disrupt your fellow players' coop
Hens also reminds me of Carcassonne in the sense that you are laying cards (instead of tiles). Both games involve creating patterns to score points, but Hens offers a quicker and nicer playing atmosphere
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