Exciting news for enthusiasts of the avian-themed board game Wingspan! You’re about to have the chance to dive into a new world of exploration.
Jamey Stegmaier, the visionary mind behind Stonemaier Games, has unveiled a thrilling development: Wingspan is venturing into the aquatic realm with a sequel named Finspan. This fresh installment shifts the spotlight from birds to the fascinating world of fish and ocean ecology. Mark your calendars, as Finspan is set to make a splash later this month on January 22nd.
Much like its predecessor, Finspan invites players into a competitive, card-driven, engine-building adventure, catering to groups of up to five. Players craving a solo challenge will find a robust mode crafted by the talented Automa Factory. This new game boasts the creative minds of David Gordon of Monkey Palace fame and Michael O’Connell, along with the artistic touch of Ana María Martínez, Catalina Martínez, and Mesa Schumacher, continuing the visual legacy established by Wingspan. While Elizabeth Hargrave, the original creator of Wingspan, chose not to helm the fish-themed project, she significantly contributed to Finspan’s development.
Hargrave shared her enthusiasm, stating, “I’m absolutely delighted that someone else was available to take this one on.” She added, “As I did with Wyrmspan, I played the game and weighed in on the design at several key points in the development process. It’s been such an interesting puzzle to help make games that feel like they’re in a family with Wingspan, while still delivering a different play experience.” Her involvement ensures that Finspan retains a connection to its roots while offering an entirely new gaming experience.
Known for their stunning visuals, both Wingspan and its fantastical successor, Wyrmspan, have set a high bar, and it seems Finspan is poised to carry on this tradition. The game features 125 fish cards adorned with beautiful naturalist illustrations and intriguing factoids about the aquatic critters. Players will engage in three core activities: expanding their fish collection, laying fish eggs, and nurturing these into thriving schools. The goal? To accumulate the most points through strategic accumulation of fish eggs, young fish, schools, and achievements.
For those eager to see how Finspan measures up against Wingspan, Stonemaier Games has already made the rulebook available online, offering a sneak peek into this enticing underwater journey.