7.4
rating
Ludopedia
6.1
rating
BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
Looking for a quick, beautiful game with a touch of abstract strategy? Dust in the Wings might be your pick, featuring Mancala-inspired gameplay and a charming nature photography theme.
Highlights
- Charming abstract strategy
- Quick and easy to learn
- Delicate and relaxing art
- Mancala mechanic reinvented
Keep in mind
- Objectives can be tricky
- Little direct interaction
- Light, non-central theme
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Get your camera ready and your eye sharp, because in Dust in the Wings, you'll want to capture the beauty of a blooming meadow! Inspired by the classic Mancala mechanic, this abstract game puts you in the shoes of a photographer trying to capture the perfect scene. The board is a 5x5 garden where colorful butterflies land on flowers. Each turn, you'll pick up a handful of butterflies from one flower and distribute them to adjacent ones, one by one, just like in Mancala. The trick is to plan this distribution to fulfill 'Gathering' objectives (collecting an exact number of butterflies of certain colors on one flower) or 'Composition' objectives (forming a specific pattern of flowers with butterflies on the board). It's a game that requires planning, spatial reasoning, and a bit of pattern recognition to anticipate opponents' moves and optimize your own. Despite the Mancala inspiration, the addition of scoring objectives and the freedom of distribution bring a new strategic layer. The artwork is a standout, with a delicate visual that evokes the tranquility of a sunny day in the countryside. It's quick, easy to learn, yet deep enough for engaging replays. Perfect for those who enjoy abstract games with a charming thematic touch and fluid gameplay that doesn't drag.
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
In English
Best player count
BGG community vote
2
BEST
3
BEST
4
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Board&Dice, Lucrum Games, Pixie Games
Designer
Christian Kruchten, Dennis Kirps, Jean-Claude Pellin
Artist
Odysseas Stamoglou
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
723owners
127wishlist
11want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
What is the average playtime for Dust in the Wings?
Games are usually quite fast, typically lasting between 30 and 45 minutes, depending on the player count and familiarity with the rules.
How many players can participate?
The game is designed for 2 to 4 players and works well at all counts.
Is it a difficult game to learn?
No, the basic rules for distributing the butterflies are quite simple, inspired by Mancala. The complexity arises when trying to optimize the scoring objectives.
Is the photography and nature theme strongly present in the gameplay?
The theme serves more as a charming backdrop for the art and setting. The gameplay focuses on the abstract strategy of placement and pattern recognition.
What are the main components of the game?
You'll find a main board (the 5x5 garden), many colorful butterflies (pieces), and objective cards (Gathering and Composition).
What type of player is Dust in the Wings best suited for?
It's great for those who enjoy abstract games, spatial puzzles, Mancala mechanics, or are simply looking for a beautiful and quick game to relax with.
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