Entrapment (1999) Board Game

Entrapment is a two-player abstract strategy game that was released in 1999 by Gowell Classic Games. The game is designed for players aged 12 and above and has a runtime of approximately 30 minutes. The objective of the game is to strategically enclose your opponent’s pieces within a square grid on the board.

Game Components of Entrapment

Board: A 7×7 grid, though a variant uses a 6×7 board with one row marked out of play.

Roamers: Three pawns for each player.

Barriers: A collection of obstacles for each player to place on the board.

Materials: The game features wooden boards and pieces, enhancing its tactile feel.

How To Setup Entrapment

The game starts with an empty board. Players take turns to place their Roamers on vacant spaces. The first player places one Roamer and takes one action, while subsequent players take two actions per turn.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Capture all three of the opponent’s Roamers by surrounding them with impenetrable barriers, rendering them incapable of movement.

Turn Structure: Each turn consists of two actions: moving a Roamer and either placing a barrier or taking a second move with a Roamer.

Roamer Movement: Roamers can move one or two spaces orthogonally and can jump over friendly Roamers and barriers. However, a barrier once jumped is turned on end and becomes impassable for both players.

Capturing Roamers: A Roamer is captured and removed from the board when it is completely surrounded and cannot move.

Player Experience

Entrapment offers a challenging and engaging experience, appealing to fans of abstract strategy games like Go and chess. The game’s dynamic of placing barriers to trap opponents adds a layer of strategic depth, making it highly replayable. The wooden components enhance the game’s aesthetic and tactile experience.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game requires careful planning and strategic thinking.

Unique Mechanics: The ability to jump barriers and render them impassable adds a unique twist.

Tactile Experience: Wooden boards and pieces provide a classic, premium feel.

High Replayability: The game’s complexity ensures it remains challenging over multiple plays.

Cons

Learning Curve: The unique rules and strategies may take some time to grasp for new players.

Limited Player Count: Designed exclusively for two players, limiting its appeal for larger groups.

Personal Thoughts on Entrapment

Entrapment is ideal for fans of abstract strategy games who appreciate a game that combines area control with piece immobilization. It is particularly suited for those who enjoy games like Quoridor and Cul de Sac but are looking for a more aggressive and dynamic experience. The game’s wooden construction and unique mechanics make it a standout in the world of abstract strategy games, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience for players.

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