Is Finspan the Ultimate Game in the Wingspan Collection?
- Alex Critchell
- 5 days ago
- 7 min read
Get ready to embark on an exciting journey as we dive into the latest installment of the Wingspan series: Finspan. This game takes a refreshing plunge into the ocean, offering players a unique underwater experience that sets it apart from its predecessors. In this article, we'll explore the innovative features that Finspan brings to the table and assess whether it's a treasure worth adding to your gaming collection. As we navigate through the vibrant waters of Finspan, we'll uncover the new gameplay mechanics, stunning artwork, and thematic elements that make this game a noteworthy addition to the Wingspan family. Will it rise to the occasion and sail the high seas of the vast ocean of games, or will it sink to the depths of obscurity? Let's find out!
Finspan has officially become part of the renowned Wingspan family of games! Since the moment I came across the initial release article, my interest was sparked. As an avid Wingspan enthusiast, who values the wide range of strategic options it presents, along with the delightful interactions between cards, all while maintaining core mechanics that are refreshingly simple and easy to understand. Finspan appealed to me due to the artwork and the news of new mechanics. The excitement surrounding its innovative mechanics has only heightened my eagerness to dive in. I was ecstatic to secure a copy right at its release, ready to embark on a new journey filled with strategies and beautiful wonders!
First Impressions
Upon receiving the game, the very first aspect that captures your attention is the stunning watercolor artwork adorning the front cover. The box itself feels pleasant to the touch, and the writing is crisp and clear, inviting you to explore further.
Turning the box over reveals a well-designed layout that provides all the essential information you need to determine if the game is right for you. The description of the gameplay is concise, and the visual representation of the components is both informative and appealing. The formatting on the back is thoughtfully executed, with ample space around the text, making it easy to read without feeling overwhelmed. One feature I particularly appreciated was the placement of the age, player count, and playtime information at the top of the box. This thoughtful arrangement allows for a quick glance at the details that matter most. Additionally, the components list is fantastic, clear and comprehensive, it outlines everything included in the box.
As you open the box, the components meet the high standards that I have come to expect from Stonemaier Games. The packaging is eco-friendly, utilizing biodegradable plastics and paper wraps for the cards, which is a commendable choice for environmentally conscious gamers. The beautiful artwork from the front cover seamlessly flows throughout the entire game, creating a cohesive aesthetic experience from the moment you pick it off the shelf to the final play. The wooden divers are not only well-crafted but also enhance the thematic elements of the game, adding a touch of elegance and charm. In summary, the combination of beautiful artwork, thoughtful design, and high-quality components makes this game a delight right from the start building anticipation for the gameplay.
Game Play Overview
In Finspan, you step into the exciting shoes of Marine Researchers, embarking on a thrilling journey through the vibrant ecosystems of the ocean! Over the course of four weeks, you will explore the Sunlight Zone, Twilight Zone, and Midnight Zone, observing an incredible array of aquatic life. As you dive deeper, your discoveries will not only enhance your research but also unlock new benefits that will aid in your quest for knowledge. Choose your dive sites wisely and at the right times, as each location offers unique opportunities—from growing your collection of fish to discovering freshly laid eggs and nurturing young marine life. To become the most prestigious researcher, you must skillfully balance points between fish, eggs, young, schools, and achievements.
The game unfolds over four exhilarating rounds, referred to as weeks. Players take turns placing their six divers of their color onto their player board. On your turn, you have two exciting options: play a fish card to enrich your ocean or dive at a dive site to reap various benefits.
Playing a Fish Card
When you opt to play a fish card, follow these four engaging steps:
Place Your Diver: Position your diver in the gray box at the top left of your player board.
Pay the Cost: Fulfill the requirements shown on the top left corner of the fish card, which may include discarding a card, paying eggs, or using young.
Place the Fish: Position the fish in a dive zone that matches its placement requirements. If there are eggs or young in that space, simply place them atop the newly added fish cards. You may also consume smaller fish if you wish to place a larger fish in an occupied space.
Resolve Abilities: Activate any "When played" abilities on the fish card to gain its benefits!
Diving at a Dive Site
When you choose to dive you will follow the following steps:
Place Your Diver: Choose a column and place your diver at the top of the dive site.
Check Dive Site Bonus: Gain the benefit at the top of the dive site column such as drawing card, laying eggs or hatching young.
Move Down the Dive Site: Move your diver down the dive site space by space, activate any "When activated" abilities to claim their benefits and claim dive site bonuses for having fish in the Twilight Zone and Midnight Zone.
Gain the Bottom Bonus: If this is your first dive at that site during that round, you’ll also gain the benefit at the bottom of the dive site!
At the end of each round, players will score points based on the active achievement for that round. The player with the highest score receives an additional three points if the B side of the achievements board is in play. After scoring, players retrieve their divers, and the first player marker is passed clockwise to the next player.
The game culminates at the end of round four, week four, on the achievements board. Here, you will activate any "GAME END" abilities on fish in play that do not award end game points. Then, tally your points from:
Points for "GAME END" cards that score points
Points on fish
One point for each consumed fish
One point for each egg and young in your ocean
Six points for each school in your ocean
Finally, add these points to the achievement points collected throughout the game. The player with the highest score emerges victorious, and in the event of a tie, the player with the most fish cards claims the win!
Pros and Cons
After diving into the game several times, I've uncovered a mix of fantastic elements that make it enjoyable. The teaching process is a breeze, the gameplay flows as smoothly as butter, and the artwork is simply stunning. However, there are a few aspects that left me wanting more.
One of my primary concerns is the game's feel. It often resembles a solo experience played alongside friends, with minimal interaction between players. This lack of engagement detracts from the overall gaming experience. For me, playing games with others is all about interaction and shared moments, and this game falls short in that department. Another issue I encountered is the overall excitement level. With limited ways to interact with fellow players, I found myself hoping for dynamic synergies that would create fun engines. Unfortunately, my gameplay experiences didn’t deliver on this front, leading to a sense of monotony after just a couple of rounds. It often felt like a case of rinse and repeat, which dampened my enthusiasm. Due to these issues, the game's replayability ranks quite low for me. There are simply other games I'd prefer to pull off my shelf for an evening of gaming with friends. This preference significantly influences how much I would be willing to invest in a game like this, ultimately impacting my overall rating.
Despite the lackluster gameplay, I can't overlook the beautiful artwork and high-quality components of the game. These elements do elevate my score and positively influence my opinion, providing a glimmer of appreciation amidst the critiques. In summary, while the game has its merits, the lack of player interaction and excitement holds it back from being a top contender in my gaming collection.
Final Verdict
Overall, while I have a deep appreciation for Wingspan and its expansions, my experience with Finspan was less than satisfying. Unfortunately, this member of the family felt a bit too simplified, with minimal player interaction that diminished the strategic depth and enjoyment I cherish from the other titles. The lack of replayability also posed a challenge; I found it difficult to persuade my gaming group to revisit this game, making it a less-than-ideal addition to my collection.
If you're considering purchasing a game from the Wingspan family, I wholeheartedly recommend the original game. In my opinion, it remains the best choice, offering a rich variety of strategic options and meaningful player interactions. The expansions further enhance this experience, introducing new combinations and deeper engagement.
Recommended Titles in the Wingspan Family
Wingspan: The original game, packed with strategic depth and player interaction.
Wyrmspan: For those seeking a bit more complexity, this title offers interesting strategic gameplay options.
Wingspan: Asia: A must-have for two players, featuring an engaging duet board that adds a fresh twist to the game.
In conclusion, my order of recommendation for the games in the Wingspan family is clear: Wingspan, followed by Wyrmspan, and finally Finspan. Each title brings something unique to the table, but the original remains my top pick for its unparalleled depth and interaction!
In conclusion, we would rate this game a 6/10
You can learn more about the game at:
You can explore the other games in the Wingspan family below:
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