INTRODUCTION
Step into the barnyard and join the egg-citing farming adventure with "HENS" card game by Little Rocket Games!
This 2-4 player game has an optional solo mode. The game is tiny and thinky. It plays in about ~5-10 minutes per player.
The game features eight beautiful breeds of hens with unique colors, each card displaying numbers for placement during play, and eggs that determine scoring, as well as medals for additional points.
GAMEPLAY
Players start with a hand of four cards and take turns constructing their hen house in a 3x4 or 4x3 grid. Strategically pick up two cards each round, placing one and discarding one to maintain a hand of four.
The challenge comes in placing cards using specific rules, such as choosing numbers that are one higher or lower than orthogonally placed cards, or using cards of the same suit to disregard the number placing rule. Unable to place a card? Flip it barnyard side up.
OBJECTIVE
The goal is to score points by creating the largest color suit group and accomplishing the bonus objective cards. Place your Rooster Token during your sixth round, betting on the group of hens you think will score the most points. Be cautious, as you'll only score points for that group if it's not the largest.
At the end of the 12th round, you'll count eggs, medals, and deduct one point for each chicken coop. The challenge with this game is that you have to balance fulfilling goal cards while considering potential negative effects on your barnyard positioning.
WHAT I LOVED
Easy to learn and teach, HENS holds a special place in my heart due to its nostalgic charm. Growing up around my aunt’s chicken coop, counting eggs was my first job, and the game brings back fond memories. The fast-paced and compact gameplay makes it perfect for on-the-go fun.
The game plays well at every player count. It can be a little predictable with two players, but this is balanced out by removing cards based on the player count.
I really appreciate the limited downtime, and the inclusion of goal cards adds excellent replayability. For a simpler experience or first-time players, I'd recommend playing without the goal cards. The game is simple yet strategic, making it enjoyable for both experienced and new gamers.
The board game is language-independent and doesn't have any text other than the breed of the bird and the number on the card.
CONCLUSION
HENS is a farm-tastic card game that will charm casual and avid board gamers of all ages. The game is relatively quick to play. Other players can draw cards from your discard pile, so the game is engaging in every turn. Gather your friends, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy this adorable chicken game!
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