Hey, That's My Fish!
- Players
- 2-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 3 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 20 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 8+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 1.4 / 5
- Year
- 2003
About the game
Hey, That's My Fish! is a fast, family-friendly abstract game where players herd penguins across a shifting field of hex ice tiles to gobble up fish. Each move slides a penguin in a straight line and removes the ice behind it, gradually shrinking the board and cutting off paths. When a penguin can no longer move, it's out: but its owner claims whatever fish sit beneath it. Games wrap up in about 20 minutes, making it an ideal light strategy filler. Its simple rules hide surprisingly sharp tactical decisions about timing and territory control.
Hobbli's Notes
We consider Hey, That's My Fish! a modern classic filler: it teaches in two minutes but still rewards genuine spatial thinking about cutting off opponents. The shrinking board creates a satisfying puzzle-like endgame every time. It's light enough for kids yet has enough bite to entertain adult gamers as a quick opener or closer. The cute penguin theme makes it an easy sell to non-gamers.
What we like
- Extremely quick to teach and play.
- Simple rules hide real tactical depth.
- Charming, kid-friendly theme and components.
- Shrinking board creates natural tension as the game progresses.
Keep in mind
- Limited strategic depth for serious gamers over repeated plays.
- Elimination-style mechanic can end well for some, poorly for others.
- Can feel a bit too light for dedicated strategy nights.
Who it's for
Perfect for families and kids aged 6+ as well as gamers wanting a sharp, quick filler; plays well with 2-4 players.
