87

Hive is a bug-themed tabletop abstract strategy game where players use hexagonal tiles representing different insects to try to completely surround their opponent's queen bee. The game requires no board and can be played on any flat surface, making it highly portable.

87

The Verdict

based on 19 reviews

Positive 0%
Negative 0%
Simple rules with deep strategic depth
High-quality, durable, and portable components with no board required
Quick playtime which encourages multiple games in a session
A pure strategy game with zero chance or randomness
Unique and varied movement for each insect piece creates interesting tactics
The abstract nature and insect theme may not appeal to all players
A significant skill gap can make games between new and experienced players feel unbalanced
Some find that gameplay can become repetitive after many plays
100
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Actualol, Jon PurkisArticleTop List

Hive Pocket is a highly recommended, portable two-player strategy game that offers significant replayability due to its deep strategic elements despite simple rules, making it ideal for travel and continuous improvement.

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96
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Topping the Table, Jamie HopkinsArticle

The reviewer highly recommends Hive as a unique, boardless strategic game, praising its portability, quick setup, ~20-minute playtime, and high-quality, tactile pieces, finding it a mentally engaging and fun addition to any collection.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Zatu GamesArticle

The reviewer highly praises Hive as a fantastic, challenging, and deep two-player game, perfect for travel due to its portability and durable components. They appreciate its thematic rules, easy-to-learn mechanics, and strategic depth, noting it's hard to master.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Shut Up & Sit Down, Quinns and PaulVideo

Shut Up & Sit Down praises Hive Pocket as a portable, tactile, and intellectually engaging abstract strategy game. They highlight its simple rules but deep strategic challenge, making it an excellent two-player contest of wits.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Seriously Amazeballs, Seriously AmazeballsVideo

The video offers a review of the physical board game Hive Pocket, highlighting its strategic and fun two-player gameplay. It covers the game's mechanics, components, and the advantages of the pocket edition, including included expansions.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
That Board Game Show, MarkVideo

The video offers an overview of Hive Pocket, a two-player strategy game where players aim to surround their opponent's queen bee using insect pieces with unique movements. It demonstrates gameplay and discusses the included Mosquito and Ladybug expansions.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Wirecutter (NYT)ArticleTop List – #1

Wirecutter highlights Hive as a quick, portable tile-laying game that delivers deep chess-like tactical strategy without requiring an actual board.

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90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Bert GamesArticle

The reviewer enthusiastically recommends Hive, praising its elegant and simple rules as classic and essential for every game collection. They suggest it's perfect for all skill levels and makes an excellent gift.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Quackalope, Jesse AndersonVideo

This Quackalope review praises Hive as a timeless, accessible abstract strategy game ideal for introducing new players to the hobby. The reviewer highlights its enduring appeal and depth, deeming it an excellent, highly recommended title.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Board Game SanctuaryVideo

The video from Board Game Sanctuary offers a review and gameplay demonstration of the physical board game Hive. It covers the game's tactical tile-placement mechanics for two players.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Riffle Shuffle & Roll, MarkVideo

The video offers a comprehensive look at the board game Hive, including an explanation of how to play the game with its base pieces. It also includes the creator's review and thoughts on the game.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
HexaGamers, CharleneArticle

Hive is a deeply strategic, highly portable abstract game combining chess-like depth with fast checkers-style pacing. Its thematic bug movements and component quality make it a must-own two-player experience.

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