Gomoku Narabe Renju (1983)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Gomoku Narabe Renju (1983): A Famicom Classic

Gomoku Narabe Renju is a board game simulation game developed and published by Nintendo for the Famicom. It was released in Japan on August 27, 1983, and is the fourth game released for the console, and the first original game developed for the system.

The game is a simulation of the traditional Eastern board game Gomoku Narabe, also known as Five in a Row or Gobang. The goal of the game is to line up five of your pieces in a row, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, before your opponent can do the same.

Gomoku Narabe Renju uses the same board and pieces as the traditional game of Go. The game board is a 19×19 grid, and the pieces are black and white stones. Players take turns placing their stones on the board, and the first player to get five of their stones in a row wins the game.

However, Gomoku Narabe Renju adds a unique twist to the traditional game: the Renju rule. The Renju rule states that the black player cannot win by creating a line of six or more stones. This rule is designed to make the game more challenging for the black player, as they always go first.

Gomoku Narabe Renju is a fun and challenging game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to test your strategic thinking skills, and it can also be a lot of fun to play against a friend or family member.

Gameplay

Gomoku Narabe Renju is played on a 19×19 grid. Players take turns placing their stones on the board, and the first player to get five of their stones in a row wins the game.

Players can place their stones anywhere on the board, but they cannot place them on top of another stone. Once a stone has been placed on the board, it cannot be moved.

The black player always goes first. This is because the black player has a slight advantage in the game, as they can force the white player to defend against their attacks.

The Renju rule states that the black player cannot win by creating a line of six or more stones. This rule is designed to make the game more challenging for the black player.

Strategy

There are many different strategies that can be used to win at Gomoku Narabe Renju. Some of the most common strategies include:

  • Control the center of the board. The center of the board is the most important area of the game, as it gives you the most options for attacking and defending.
  • Create forks. A fork is a move that forces your opponent to defend two or more threats at once. Forks can be very effective at winning the game, as they can force your opponent to make a mistake.
  • Block your opponent’s threats. It is important to pay attention to your opponent’s moves and block any threats that they may pose. Blocking your opponent’s threats will give you more time to develop your own attack.
  • Be patient. Gomoku Narabe Renju is a game of strategy and patience. It is important to take your time and think carefully about each move.

History

Gomoku Narabe Renju was released in Japan on August 27, 1983. It was the fourth game released for the Famicom, and the first original game developed for the system.

The game was developed by Nintendo’s Research & Development 1 team, which was led by Gunpei Yokoi. Yokoi is also known for designing the Game & Watch and the Virtual Boy.

Gomoku Narabe Renju was a commercial success in Japan, selling over 1 million copies. It was also released in the United States and Europe, but it was not as successful in those regions.

Legacy

Gomoku Narabe Renju is a classic Famicom game that is still enjoyed by many people today. It is a fun and challenging game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

The game has been ported to several different platforms, including the Game Boy, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and the Nintendo Switch. It has also been released as a mobile game.

Gomoku Narabe Renju has inspired several other games, including the popular mobile game Candy Crush Saga.

Conclusion

Gomoku Narabe Renju is a fun and challenging board game simulation that is a great way to test your strategic thinking skills. It is a classic Famicom game that is still enjoyed by many people today.

Review Score

7/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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