Anomaly (2019) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Anomaly is a board game released in 2019, designed by Steven Hamilton, Dann May, and Greg May. It falls under the categories of Deduction, Horror, and Science Fiction, offering a unique gaming experience for 2-4 players aged 14 and above. The game involves area movement, command cards, hidden movement, secret unit deployment, and is team-based.

Game Components of Anomaly

Game board representing a space station

One Anomaly player token and character card

Three Student player tokens and character cards

Movement and action cards

Detection tokens

Map tiles for the space station

Rulebook

How To Setup Anomaly

To set up Anomaly, players first assemble the space station map by arranging the map tiles. Each student player selects a character card and places their token on the starting location. The Anomaly player receives their character card and token, but their starting location remains secret. Students draw a hand of movement and action cards, while the Anomaly player prepares their resources for the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Asynchronous Play: One player controls the Anomaly, while the other three players control Students.

Hidden Movement: The Anomaly player moves secretly, trying to evade detection.

Deduction: Student players use deduction to locate the Anomaly.

Objective:
– Anomaly: Sneak around the space station without being detected.
– Students: Work together to detect and isolate the Anomaly.

Player Experience

Anomaly offers a unique and thrilling experience, especially for fans of hidden movement and deduction games. The Anomaly player must carefully plan their movements to avoid detection, while the Student players must collaborate and use their resources wisely to track down the Anomaly. The game creates a tense and engaging atmosphere, making each playthrough unpredictable.

Pros

Engaging Asynchronous Play: Adds a new layer of strategy and excitement.

High Replayability: Different starting conditions and player choices ensure varied gameplay.

Interactive Teamwork: Students must work together effectively to succeed.

Immersive Theme: The space station setting adds to the game’s tension and atmosphere.

Cons

Complexity: Can be challenging for new players to understand the rules.

Unbalanced Gameplay: Some players might find the Anomaly role more enjoyable or powerful than the Student roles.

Lengthy Setup: Assembling the map and distributing resources can take some time.

Personal Thoughts on Anomaly

Anomaly is ideal for groups who enjoy strategic teamplay and the thrill of hidden movement games. It is particularly suited for experienced gamers who can appreciate the complexity and depth of the game mechanics. However, new players might find it a bit daunting due to the setup and rules. Overall, it’s a great addition to any board game collection for those who enjoy a good challenge and cooperative gameplay.

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