Tabletop Review - Corvids

Developer: Jasper Beatrix

Publisher: DVC Games

Available on: DVC Games website and, as always, support your friendly local game store

Embrace Your Inner Corvid

Welcome Adventurers, to Corvids: The Card Game of Trash + Treasure, where players embody a Corvid and competitively spread chaos. This game is designed for 2-5 players ages 8 and up and takes 20-30 minutes a game to play.

One Corvid’s Trash

Corvids love shiny things. Players are randomly assigned one of eight different Corvids that each have their own goals and bonuses for collecting “treasures.” The treasures are piled in the middle of the included cloth playmat that depicts each Corvid and its nest. Players then use the included tweezers to Peck and Pick treasures from the pile.

Another Corvid’s Treasure

Now, another Corvid might be piling up the treasures you want. You can steal from them, but first, you must uncover their nest. Once their nests are uncovered, you can try and get your claws on their treasure by using a Ticket treasure card and/or by paying 2 Feather tokens. Be warned though, the other players may have defenses to use against you.

Peck, Pick, Resolve

Each turn consists of a Peck stage where players flip one or maybe a bunch of treasure cards over using the tweezers. You may do this to benefit your Corvid or you may do it to mess with the other Corvids at the table who are free to “CAW! CAW!” their displeasure at your choices. Once the card(s) are flipped, you then Pick the card you want for your nest. Each of the treasure cards has different values and abilities and some stack to be worth more points if you get the whole set. At the end of your turn, Resolve any cards you may have then end your turn. Play continues around the table until no treasures are left on the mat and points are tallied.

I played this game with a couple of friends while we enjoyed a few adult beverages. The rules are straightforward and play is a fun mix of strategy, dexterity, and mischief. Replayability is great, the game setup is a breeze and the pieces and cards are all high quality. After a few rounds (and maybe too many wobble pops) we were all cawing at each other after pretty much every move which added another fun element to the game.

Verdict

Corvids is a great game. The box is small and would be great for traveling and the pieces feel great. Additionally, you don’t need a lot of space to play, it’s easy to learn and teach, and it’s easy to set up and put away. I will admit that I’m a little biased because I’m a bird nerd (especially corvids), but the game shines without underlying fanaticism. So, gather your friends, dump out some treasure, and caw your little Corvid heart out.

Corvids IS A MUST BUY

As I said above, I’m a bird nerd. I gladly forked over the $25 for this game and eagerly awaited its arrival. I’d like to thank DVC Games for making it and for rapidly responding to rules questions online.