Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Card & Board Game, Quiz/Trivia
- Platforms: Nintendo Entertainment System
- Developers: Rare
- Publishers: Nintendo
Anticipation: Nintendo’s First Video Board Game
Released in 1988 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Anticipation was marketed as Nintendo’s “first video board game.” Developed by Rare, it was a unique blend of traditional board game mechanics and video game elements.
Gameplay
Anticipation is played on a 6×6 game board with 36 spaces. Each player controls a set of four pieces: two pawns, a knight, and a king. The goal of the game is to move all of your pieces to the other side of the board before your opponents.
Players take turns moving their pieces around the board. Pawns can move one space forward or one space diagonally forward. Knights can move two spaces in any direction, including over other pieces. Kings can move one space in any direction, including diagonally.
In addition to moving pieces, players can also use special cards to help them win the game. These cards can be used to move pieces extra spaces, block opponents’ pieces, or even swap pieces with other players.
Multiplayer
Anticipation is a great game for both single-player and multiplayer. Up to four players can compete against each other in a free-for-all match. The game can also be played cooperatively, with players working together to defeat a computer-controlled opponent.
Reception
Anticipation was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, which combined the best elements of board games and video games. The game was also a hit with multiplayer fans, as it was one of the few NES games that supported up to four players.
Legacy
Anticipation is still considered one of the best board game adaptations for video games. It has been praised for its simple yet addictive gameplay, and for its ability to appeal to both casual and hardcore gamers. The game has also been credited with helping to popularize the board game genre on video game consoles.
Tips for Playing Anticipation
- Control the center of the board. The center of the board is the most important area, as it gives you the most options for moving your pieces. Try to control the center early on in the game, and don’t let your opponents get a foothold there.
- Use your cards wisely. The cards in Anticipation can be very powerful, so it’s important to use them wisely. Save your most powerful cards for when you really need them, such as when you’re trying to break through your opponents’ defenses or when you’re close to winning the game.
- Don’t be afraid to sacrifice pieces. Sometimes, you may need to sacrifice a piece in order to gain an advantage. For example, you may need to sacrifice a pawn in order to move your knight into a better position. Don’t be afraid to make these sacrifices, as they can often lead to victory.
- Have fun! Anticipation is a game that’s meant to be enjoyed. So relax, have fun, and don’t take it too seriously.
Conclusion
Anticipation is a classic board game that has been enjoyed by gamers for over 30 years. It’s a great game for both single-player and multiplayer, and it’s a must-have for any fan of board games or video games.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
