Atari’s Centipede (2017) Board Game
Atari’s Centipede board game is based on the classic arcade game released by Atari in in 2017. The video game was a massive hit and is considered a classic in the arcade game industry. The board game adaptation was released in 2017 by IDW Games, bringing the nostalgic gameplay to a tabletop format.
Game Components of Atari’s Centipede
How To Setup Atari’s Centipede
Setting up the game involves placing the game board in the middle, with the Gnome player’s area limited to the bottom row. The Centipede player sets up their spawn points at the top of the board. Each player starts with specific components: the Gnome gets dice and Gnome Control cards, while the Centipede player receives a hand of three cards. The initial setup also involves placing three mushrooms per player on the board, though this step is noted to be confusing due to poor rule explanation.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
– Asymmetrical gameplay: One player is the Gnome, and the other is the Centipede.
– Dice-based actions for the Gnome: Rolls dice to determine movements and actions.
– Card-driven actions for the Centipede: Plays cards to spawn bugs, manipulate mushrooms, and accelerate movement.
– Gnome: Eliminate all Centipede segments to win.
– Centipede: Have a bug reach the Gnome’s area to win.
Player Experience
Playing Atari’s Centipede involves strategic planning, especially for the Gnome player, who must carefully use their dice rolls and Gnome Control cards to avoid being overwhelmed by the Centipede and other bugs. The Centipede player focuses on sending as many bugs as possible towards the Gnome, trying to overwhelm them. The game captures the nostalgic feel of the arcade game but is marred by poorly written rules, making setup and initial playthroughs cumbersome.
Pros
Cons
Personal Thoughts on Atari’s Centipede
Atari’s Centipede is for fans of the original arcade game and those who enjoy asymmetrical board games. However, the game’s flaws, particularly the poorly written rules and unbalanced gameplay, make it less appealing for casual players. It is more suited as a collector’s item or for enthusiasts who are willing to navigate the complexities. Despite its nostalgic charm, it falls short in terms of overall gaming experience.
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