BoardGame Verdict
89

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.

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89

The Verdict

based on 22 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
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
Topping the Table, Jamie HopkinsArticle

“Wrapping up this review, ‘Hive’ truly stands out in the board game realm. Its unique boardless play, combined with the depth of strategy akin to chess but with an insect twist, offers something special for both newcomers and seasoned gamers.”

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95
Seriously Amazeballs, Seriously AmazeballsVideo

The reviewer highly praises Hive Pocket, calling it an addictive, chess-like game that is easy to learn but offers deep strategy and high replayability. They appreciate the game's portability and the premium quality of its components, noting there's nothing they would change about it.

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95
The Board Game Family, The Board Game FamilyArticle

“We have absolutely no reservations in recommending this board game (tile game) for every family in the world!”

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95
HexaGamers, CharleneArticle

“The fact that it is a fast game and is so strategic really appeals to me. Each move you make can be crucial to your game.”

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95
Zatu GamesArticle

“Hive fits with my life and is a fantastic two player game. Hive is near perfect for killing time at airports or on a ferry.”

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95
Shut Up & Sit Down, Quinns and PaulVideo

Hive Pocket is enthusiastically recommended as a highly portable, durable, and deeply strategic abstract game that offers immense replayability and becomes increasingly rewarding the more it is played, though it caters particularly to those who enjoy a pure contest of wits.

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90
Meeples and TokensVideo

The reviewer finds Hive to be an engaging and strategic abstract game, appreciating its replayability and indicating a strong desire for future playthroughs.

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90
The Board Game CollectionArticleTop List

“Looking for a fun, strategic game for two? Check out Hive, a game given to us in 2001. The game has the unique advantage of requiring no specific board but rather can be played on any flat, level surface, meaning it’s a great option for unique game settings.”

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90
Bert GamesArticle

“I really enjoy the simplicity of this game and its elegant rules. It makes it a classic that everyone should have in their collection.”

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90
DicebreakerArticleTop List

“In this video, the reviewers describe Hive as a 'bloody brilliant' abstract strategy game that is like chess with bugs. They praise its simplicity, the quality of the pieces, and its portability, calling it a 'perfectly formed' game.”

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90
Dad's Gaming Addiction, Vincent Benny Jr.Video

The reviewer highly recommends Hive: Carbon Edition, describing it as a fun and strategically deep two-player game that takes time to master but is ultimately rewarding.

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90
Board Game TipsArticleTop List

“Hive is a highly strategic two-player game that stands out for its versatility and unique gameplay mechanics, involving a variety of insect-themed pieces.”

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90
Quackalope, Jesse AndersonVideo

The reviewer highly praises Hive as a unique and challenging abstract strategy game, comparing it favorably to classics like chess, noting its excellent portability and replayability, and affirming its permanent place in their collection despite a personal preference for heavier, thematic games.

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90
Frontline Gaming, SamArticle

“Hive is a standout abstract strategy game that excels in elegant design and tactical depth. While its insect theme may not satisfy those seeking immersive narratives, it more than compensates with clean, fast, portable gameplay.”

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90
Board Game SanctuaryVideo

The reviewer highly recommends Hive as an excellent and deeply strategic two-player abstract game with simple rules and zero luck, praising its portability and depth despite minor drawbacks like being strictly two-player and occasionally causing analysis paralysis.

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90
Riffle Shuffle & Roll, MarkVideo

The reviewer highly recommends Hive as an easy-to-learn and inviting two-player abstract strategy game, comparing its strategic depth to chess.

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90
That Board Game Show, MarkVideo

The reviewer highly recommends Hive Pocket as a fun and engaging two-player abstract strategy game, praising its accessibility, strategic depth through unique insect movements, and excellent replayability.

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80
The Dice Tower, Ryan MetzlerVideo

The reviewer highlights Hive as a highly addictive two-player abstract strategy game, praising its portability, sturdy pieces, and engaging gameplay where players strategically place and move insect pieces to surround their opponent's queen bee.

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80
Big Red BarrelArticle

“But Hive isn’t designed to replace something like Seven Wonders in your board gaming schedule, it’s designed to replace the tattered and sticky pack of cards I’d crack out in the local pub – with its travel-friendly case and wonderfully chunky (and washable) plastic pieces it does so admirably.”

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70
Meeple Mountain, Andy MatthewsArticle

“The verdict is in. Hive is a great game. Easy to teach, a good amount of strategy, durable pieces, and it’s really fun to boot.”

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45
Meeple Like Us, Michael HeronArticle

“That’s why I don’t like Hive – because it asks me to invest a great deal of time into mastering its intricate systems, but offers me very little in return that I can’t get elsewhere.”

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