Hey! That's My Fish! is a delightfully simple yet strategically rich game where players command waddles of penguins competing for the most fish on a hexagonal ice floe that shrinks with every move. Move your penguins in straight lines across tiles worth 1, 2, or 3 fish, but beware: the ice you leave behind disappears, creating gaps that block future movement. Plan ahead, outsmart your opponents, and avoid getting stranded as the playing field dissolves beneath your feet. Award-winning design ensures engaging gameplay for families and experienced gamers alike.
How to play
Players take turns moving one penguin in a straight line over hex-shaped ice tiles, collecting fish along the way. After moving, the tile the penguin started from is removed from the board—creating a permanent gap. Penguins can't cross gaps, so careful movement is essential; you must plan routes that don't trap your own pieces. When a penguin has no legal moves, it's removed from play and you claim the tile it stands on. The game ends when no penguin can move. Count your collected fish: the player with the most wins. The map reduction mechanic (disappearing ice) creates escalating tension as the board shrinks and options narrow.
Why you'll love it
Hey! That's My Fish! succeeds through elegant simplicity paired with surprising tactical depth. The rules are easy to teach (under 5 minutes), yet the map reduction mechanic and movement restrictions create genuine strategic decisions. Do you prioritize high-value tiles (3 fish) or secure safe passage for your penguins? The hexagonal grid and modular board ensure no two games play identically. Perfect for families (ages 8+), mixed-age groups, or anyone seeking a quick, engaging strategy game without overwhelming complexity. The penguin theme and cute aesthetic appeal to younger players, while the spatial puzzle satisfies strategy enthusiasts. Award-winning pedigree (multiple international recognitions) confirms quality. At 20 minutes, games move briskly, making it ideal for casual nights or tournament play.
Game details
• Players: 2–4
• Playing time: 20 minutes
• Age: 8+
• Genre: Strategy, spatial puzzle, map-reduction game
• Themes: Penguins, ice, fish, Arctic, animals
• Gameplay: Grid movement on hexagonal tiles, straight-line penguin movement, tile collection, map reduction (disappearing ice), blocking and outsmarting
• Mechanics: Hex-grid movement, modular board with variable setup, permanent gap creation, tile removal, penguin removal when stranded
• Tile values: 1, 2, or 3 fish per hex
• Map reduction: Collected tiles disappear, shrinking the playable area and limiting future moves
• Modular board: Variable setup ensures replayability
• Win condition: Most collected fish at game's end
• Player elimination: Gradual (penguins removed as they become stranded)
• Awards: 2006 Japan Boardgame Prize Best Foreign Game for Beginners Winner; 2006 Spiel des Jahres Recommended; multiple international nominations and wins
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