Wingspan game?

[Anonymous]

My mother’s new favorite hobby is feeding her backyard birds. I recently heard about a game called Wingspan and thought it might make a good birthday present for her. I think there’s an app too. Does anyone have any thoughts about the game?

If I get the app, could I play online with her? Could she play by herself? (She has an iphone and an ipad).

If I get the board game, she’d mostly be playing with my father. Is it a good game for 2 players? My father had some cognitive difficulties earlier in the year, but he has mostly recovered. Is the game particularly complicated or hard to learn?

I welcome any comments you might have about the game. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

We owned it for years before cracking it open because the instructions were daunting. Once you've played it a couple of times, it's fairly straightforward and engaging, but there is still a fair amount to keep in mind at any one time. It might be frustrating for someone with lingering cognitive issues, particularly in the beginning. Once you get into it, though, it is a good game for two people. I would suggest that you learn how to play and then play with your parents the first few times instead of leaving them to rely on the directions. Sorry, don't know anything about the app.

[Anonymous]

I have never hated a game as much as I hated Wingspan. It is sooo complicated. And I love birds!

[Anonymous]

^^But that’s an extremely nice idea, OP. If you and your mom are both very into board games, it’s a nice idea for a gift. I just found the game to be not my style.

[Anonymous]

I’m with the pp who hated it. The cards are pretty, but it’s so complicated we were never sure we were playing it right, and it is very easy for a player to cheat because it’s too much work to catch them. My kids and I protest when dh tries to get us to play. Can’t recommend.

[Anonymous]

Way too convoluted a game. Hated it.

[Anonymous]

It is very complicated and hard to learn, especially if they are not into board games, sorry. My dad also has cognitive issues and I can’t imagine him mastering or enjoying Wingspan.

If you’re looking for a shareable birdwatching activity, you might consider a Netvue feeder cam or similar. My brother got one for my parents in another state and since it is Wi-Fi enabled, I can view the cam remotely with them and we can discuss the birds and share when there is a new bird or they do something cute. It has been fun for all of us.

[Anonymous]

I love Wingspan but I agree it might be too complicated for her. I play it with my husband and 17 and 18 sons. It was definitely complicated at first but once you get the hang of it it’s quite enjoyable.

[Anonymous]

Played it once with my husband and young daughter, after practically begging for it for a Christmas gift. Nope, they won’t play with me again
Too complicated.

[Anonymous]

It's complicated, but after you play a few times it makes sense. I agree it might be hard for somebody who's cognitively challenged.

Here's a good Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv4FYUXe5VA . You could watch it and see if this is something you could see your parents doing.

Did you know that Wingspan's creator is local? I think she's (was?) a fed. There's a group of board game developers who get together at Board and Brew in College Park to workshop their games.

[Anonymous]

OP here

Thanks, everyone, for your input. It sounds like Wingspan might not be the best idea at least at this time. I really appreciate the other suggestions. The Netvue feeder sounds great, so I’ll be looking into it. Board and Brew sounds like it might be a fun place for me. If anyone has any other suggestions, I’d love to hear them. DCUM knows all the great stuff.

[Anonymous]

I haven't played any of them but it looks like there are other birdwatching board games - Charley Harper's Spot the Birds, Audobon Bird Spotting Opoly Board Game, Birdwatcher, and Flock.