Anticipation

Bandai Co., Ltd., Capital Games Ltd, danspil · Board game · 1987
2–4 · best 4 30 min Weight 1.2/5
rating Ludopedia
5.7 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
5.7 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

A magnetic classic that blends luck, physics, and high-tension-captures!

Highlights
  • Unique magnetic interaction
  • Fast-paced-gameplay
  • Great family-friendly fun
Keep in mind
  • Heavy reliance on dice luck
  • Can be frustrating due to physics
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Ever played a game where physics is your biggest rival? Anticipation is a magnetic blast that turns a simple race into a high-stakes game of attraction and repulsion! The mission is straightforward: you are leading a colony of ants, and your goal is to capture enemy ants to collect pieces that, when assembled, reveal parts of the Queen. It sounds easy, right? Well, there's a magnetic twist that changes everything.

Every ant piece is magnetic. When you attempt to capture an opponent's ant, you have to physically move your piece toward theirs. If the magnetic pull works in your favor, you successfully capture the piece and bring it back to your base. But if the repulsion kicks in, the pieces will snap away from each other, and instead of a capture, you might find your own ant being 'captured' by the enemy! It's a game of tension, steady hands, and a little bit of luck.

Movement is driven by dice rolls, sending your ants across the board to hunt or defend. Once you capture a piece, you bring it back to your base to flip it over and see which part of the Queen it represents. The player who manages to complete the most significant parts of the Queen's image wins the game. It's fast-paced, tactile, and keeps everyone on the edge of their seats, wondering if the next move will be a brilliant capture or a magnetic disaster. Perfect for families and anyone who loves a game with a physical, interactive element!

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 REC
3 REC
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Animals: Ants
Publisher Bandai Co., Ltd., Capital Games Ltd, danspil, Gameplay Publishing ApS, Huki, Liniex, Parker Brothers, Parker Spiele, Piatnik
Designer Michael K. Lorrigan, S. Ray

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How long does a game last?
Games are quick, usually lasting about 20 to 30 minutes.
Is it hard to learn?
Not at all! The rules are straightforward; the real challenge is mastering the magnetic-repulsion-tension.
What age is best?
Great for kids aged 7+ due to-the tactile-nature and simple-rules.
Does the magnetism work well?
Yes, the-magnetic-interaction is the core-mechanic and works as intended!
How many players?
It supports 2 to 4 players perfectly.

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