Is Hover: The Cutthroat Hummingbird Game Worth Adding to Your Collection?
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Show Notes: Hover – A Brutal Game of Hummingbirds | Meeples & Wine Podcast
In this episode Michael and Suzy sit down with Hover: A Brutal Game of Hummingbirds, a fun hummingbird theme board game where you play as the aggressive little birds fighting over nectar (energy) while racing to build a nest and win a mate. We break down the rules for this area movement game that mixes take that elements, bluffing, and direct conflict in a light strategy package perfect for couples.
We paired the game with the Cherry Kirsche 2024 from Von Stiehl Winery in Algoma, Wisconsin. It is an old-world style cherry brandy dessert wine that works really well with rich chocolate or cheesecake.
- https://shop.vonstiehl.com/shop/products/162 – direct link to buy the Cherry Kirsche 2024
- https://vonstiehl.com/ – Von Stiehl Winery website
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yp_lf16tXJ4 – video profile of the wine
The Hover board game comes from designer Victor Shiu and artist Shawna Shiu, published by Ibis Tea. It plays 2 to 4 players and features area movement, resource gathering, stealing from other nests, attacks resolved with hidden energy and beauty, and a big courting call finale to win the game. We talk about how the two player version changes, how the “take that” mechanics feel at the table, and whether it stays friendly enough for couples.
- https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/452208/hover – Hover on BoardGameGeek
- https://hover.ibistea.com/ – official Hover game website
Hover is launching on Kickstarter on May 19, 2026, so we mention that for anyone looking for new Kickstarter board games in 2026.
- https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/victorshiu/hover-a-surprisingly-brutal-hummingbird-game – Hover Kickstarter page
We walk through the complete rules summary including setup, movement, area actions in the field, garden, forest and feeder, building your nest with twigs and spider silk, adding lichen for protection, attacking other birds, and pulling off a successful courting call. We also share our fun scores, couch scores for relationship safety, thoughts on the learning curve for this hummingbird board game, and the optional rules like 15 second turns.
Contact Meeples & Wine
We’re Michael and Suzy, your hosts dishing out honest board game reviews for couples, blending wine (or in this case, beer) tastings with gameplay breakdowns. Got feedback? Hit us up at meeplesandwine@gmail.com, or connect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn. And hey, leave a voicemail at (707) 572-5282 – we love hearing from you!
If you enjoy board game reviews for couples, especially area movement games or take that board games with a bit of bite, share this episode with a friend. Thanks for listening and we will see you next time on Meeples & Wine. Buh-bye!
