Derek 'Dez' Maggs 
Gather ’round, fellow herders! Imagine a world where flamingos and geese engage in epic showdowns, where laughter echoes through the savanna, and where stacking blocks becomes an art form.
Welcome to the whimsical realm of Be Herd—a game that defies gravity, logic, and maybe even the space-time continuum (okay, not really, but it’s more fun that way).
Rules
The rules? Simpler than teaching a sloth to salsa dance. Just watch the video:
First Impression
Be Herd, a seemingly unassuming dexterity board game at first glance, or so I thought.
Beyond its wooden blocks lies a delightful blend of icebreaker, getting-to-know-you, and a dash of dexterity. Gather friends, old and new, and watch as laughter fills the room. The game unfolds, revealing quirky questions and unexpected challenges. As you delicately stack blocks, hearts race, and connections deepen. Be Herd transcends cardboard confines, leaving an imprint on hearts and minds—an invitation to shared humanity.
Gameplay
At my recent game night, surrounded by friends, I contemplated which game to play. With only one familiar face and a group of acquaintances, the decision to dive into the whimsical, icebreaker-style game, Be Herd, was a risky one, as it would set the tone for the entire evening!
Luckily for me, it was the decision that made our night and annoyingly forced me to organize a second games night, due to us playing this all night and not the other 3 games in my review pile!
It was a night of laughs, learning, and getting to know new and old friends. And also realizing that my hands shake like a polaroid picture when trying to stack the animals. I was so bad at it. I thought I had nerves of steel, but little wooden animal-shaped meeples are my steel nerves’ kryptonite. Especially those stupid snake meeples, those things always seem to show up at the worst time and normally when it is my turn to place the animals. And though they are small, they always seem to make a huge difference; a huge, annoying, often wooden animal tumbling difference.
Though Be Herd is a fun little icebreaker game that seems to have simplistic ideas; its well-thought-out gameplay and the addition of the dexterity elements make this game something special. As it is more than just a simple game, it blends multiple elements seamlessly.
Art
The game’s appeal lies in its charming artistic elements, such as the vibrant illustrations of animals on the wooden Herd Animals building blocks, adding both visual appeal and a balancing challenge. With 240 question cards spanning various categories like “Bucket List” and “Profession,” players engage in thought-provoking conversations, sparked by intriguing prompts and captivating artwork. Through cooperative gameplay, participants work together to build the Herd Tower, fostering interaction and laughter, making Be Herd an excellent choice for social gatherings or game nights.
Conclusion
Be Herd exceeded all my expectations. Initially, I anticipated a basic, run-of-the-mill game, something enjoyable for a brief moment but lacking ongoing playability. However, from the moment I started with it, I realized its immense potential.
It quickly became my top recommendation whenever someone sought an exceptional icebreaker or sought a game suitable for diverse groups with varied levels of friendship or knowledge of one another.
What sets Be Herd apart is its simplicity. It’s effortless to grasp, ensuring that anyone, regardless of friendship level, can join in and have a blast. Moreover, it’s not just about the gameplay; it’s about the connections it fosters. Be Herd has this uncanny ability to unveil both the familiar and unfamiliar aspects of those you play with, making it a fantastic tool for delving into the lives of both old and new friends. It’s not just a game; it’s an experience—a valuable addition to any collection, one that promises countless memorable moments and meaningful interactions.
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