Review – Hive Pocket

2 Players, Aged 9+ with a 20+ minute playing time

A review copy of Hive Pocket was kindly provided by the British designer John Yianni, and the team at GEN42 Games.

Hive was first released in 2001 with the monochrome version Hive Carbon in 2011 and two additional
insects the Mosquito in 2007 and the Ladybug also in 2011 and an iPhone / iPad version in 2009, there have been a number of developments since its initial release. Over this period it has won a number of awards including the Mensa Select Winner in 2006.

Given the success Hive has enjoyed the creation of this new smaller variant was a logical next step, and one that fans of the game may see as long overdue. Hive Pocket offers the same unique game but in a much smaller more portable package that makes me wonder if Army of Frogs may get the same treatment?

For those readers who have not encountered Hive before it is a tactile tactical 2 player game where players seek to surround their opponents Queen Bee using a number of different insects, each with their own unique characteristics. Obviously whilst trying to surround your opponents Queen Bee you are seeking to defend your own!

What follows is an overview of the game broken down into 5 sections: The Game Components, Setting Up The Game, How To Play The Game, What Did We Think? and finally Who Do We Think Will Like It?. So if you don't want to read the whole review scan down to the heading that interests you.