Finspan

​Finspan is a competitive card-driven engine-building game that immerses players in the role of marine researchers exploring diverse aquatic ecosystems. Designed by David Gordon and Michael O’Connell, with Elizabeth Hargrave contributing to its development, Finspan serves as a thematic sequel to the acclaimed game Wingspan, shifting the focus from avian to marine life. Over four rounds, representing weeks of research, players aim to build the most impressive collection of fish species, laying eggs, hatching young, and forming schools to maximize their scores.
The game introduces unique mechanics that reflect the complexities of marine biology. Players manage their own ocean mats divided into three depth zones—Sunlight, Twilight, and Midnight—each accommodating specific fish species based on their real-world habitats. Strategic placement is crucial, as certain fish can only thrive in designated zones, and their positions influence the benefits gained during dives. Diving actions allow players to send divers down columns on their mats, triggering abilities of fish encountered along the way and collecting resources essential for growth. This spatial strategy, combined with streamlined resource management—where players discard cards or use eggs and young as costs—offers a fresh and engaging experience distinct from its predecessors.