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Wingspan, the beloved engine-building bird collection game, took the world by storm in 2019. With two successful expansions already under its wing (pun intended!), the arrival of Wingspan Asia marks a significant leap forward, offering not just new content, but a fresh perspective on how to enjoy this captivating game. This isn’t just another expansion; it’s a game-changer.
A Standalone Two-Player Experience: Wingspan Duet
Forget needing the base game to enjoy a streamlined two-player experience. Wingspan Asia introduces “Duet Mode,” a complete, self-contained two-player version of Wingspan in this one, travel-sized box. While it might not have the iconic bird feeder dice tower, it more than compensates with its focused design and rapid setup. Duet Mode distils the core gameplay into a tight, engaging experience, perfect for couples, friends, or anyone looking for a quicker Wingspan fix which is also ideal to pop in a suitcase for those away from home game sessions.
Setup is a breeze. Simply lay out the central boards, deal the starting hands, and you’re ready to build your avian engine. The innovative Duet board adds a new layer of strategic depth. As you place birds, you also strategically position Duet tokens, aiming to create the largest contiguous group for end-game scoring. This clever mechanic adds an interactive element, as you subtly compete for space and bonuses on the shared board.
A Fantastic Learning Tool: The Quick-Start Guide
Wingspan Asia excels in its approach to onboarding new players. The included quick-start guides are a masterclass in-game instruction. They walk you through a simplified first round, highlighting key mechanics and strategies, making learning the game incredibly intuitive. Whether you’re a seasoned Wingspan veteran or a curious newcomer, these guides will have you soaring in no time.
To put this to the test I gave the game to two new players on New Year’s Eve and within 15 minutes not only were they set up and playing but also having an argument about when food could be taken. They have been married for over 40 years so you know whilst they were deeply in love they were also mortal enemies.
Wingspan Asia Expanding the Flock: Six and Seven Player Games
Beyond Duet Mode and combining Wingspan Asia with the original Wingspan, Stonemaier has tackled the challenge of higher player counts with the ingenious “Flock Mode.” Designed to alleviate the waiting frustration of a game that can accommodate six or seven players, this mode introduces simultaneous play, dividing players into two groups, each with its own set of components. Two players play simultaneously which could get confusing but the turn dial indicates the two active players. Being able to quickly see which two players should be active is one of the things you don’t think about, the addition is therefore indicative of the thought that went into the game.
New Birds, New Powers, New Strategies
Of course, no Wingspan expansion would be complete without a delightful array of new bird cards. The stunning artwork continues to impress, bringing each feathered friend to life. The new round-end powers, easily identifiable by their turquoise blue colour, add exciting new strategic possibilities, offering fresh ways to gain food and build your engine. These additions seamlessly integrate with the existing card pool, creating even more diverse and engaging gameplay.
The Verdict: Essential for Any Wingspan Enthusiast
Wingspan Asia is more than just an expansion; it reimagines how we experience Wingspan. The brilliant Duet Mode offers a compelling two-player experience, while Flock Mode tackles higher player counts with elegance and efficiency. Whether you own Wingspan or are looking for a perfect entry point, Wingspan Asia is an essential addition to any game collection. It’s the best Wingspan expansion to date, and perhaps even more essential than the base game itself, thanks to its accessibility, affordability, and exceptional two-player mode. Prepare to spread your wings and soar to new heights with Wingspan Asia!