Ataxx (1990) – Board Game Guys

Ataxx

Ataxx is a board game that was originally named Infection and invented by Dave Crummack and Craig Galley in 1988. It was first programmed on Amiga, Commodore 64, and Atari. The game was later published in arcades by Leland Corporation in 1990. Although Ataxx was sold as a video game and not with a physical game board, it can be played with a Reversi set. The concept was also used in the unreleased 1988 video game Infection, which was licensed by Virgin Mastertronic to Leland. There are numerous independently developed clones of the game.

Why is Ataxx Popular?

Ataxx is a strategy game that is played on a 7×7 grid. The game is significant because it is a simple yet challenging game that requires strategic thinking and planning. It is also popular because it can be played by two players, making it a great game for friends and family to play together.

Game Components of Ataxx

Board: A 7×7 grid, sometimes with blocked or obstructed spaces.

Pieces: Each player starts with two pieces, placed on diagonally opposing corners of the board.

Controls: Originally featured dual trackball controls for arcade version; home versions may use joysticks or other input methods.

How To Setup Ataxx

To set up Ataxx, place the 7×7 grid board in the playing area. Each player begins with two pieces, one on each of the diagonally opposing corners of the board. For example, one player’s pieces are typically red and placed in the top left and bottom right corners, while the other player’s pieces are blue and placed in the top right and bottom left corners.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turns: Players move alternately, with each turn involving moving one piece either one or two spaces in any direction (including diagonals).

Piece Movement: Moving a piece to an adjacent space creates a new piece in the original space; moving a piece two spaces does not create a new piece.

Piece Conversion: After a move, all of the opponent’s pieces adjacent to the destination square are converted to the moving player’s color.

Objective: The goal is to have the majority of the pieces on the board at the end of the game, which occurs when all spaces are filled or one player has no remaining pieces.

Time Control: In the arcade version, each player has a timer that counts down during their turn; additional time can be purchased with credits.

Player Experience

Ataxx offers a dynamic and strategic experience, similar to games like Reversi and Go. Players must think ahead to maximize their piece count while converting their opponent’s pieces. The game’s timed turns add an element of pressure, making it a challenging and engaging experience for players of various skill levels.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game requires forward thinking and tactical maneuvers.

Competitive: Supports both single-player and multiplayer modes, with AI opponents of varying difficulty.

Visual Aesthetic: Features a unique sci-fi horror theme in the arcade version.

Replayability: Multiple board layouts and obstacles ensure varied gameplay experiences.

Cons

Learning Curve: New players may find the rules and strategies complex at first.

Time Pressure: The timed turns can be stressful, especially for casual players.

Limited Physical Availability: Originally designed as an arcade game, it may not be widely available in physical form outside of collectors’ circles.

Personal Thoughts on Ataxx

Ataxx is ideal for fans of abstract strategy games who enjoy a mix of tactical planning and quick decision-making. It’s a great game for those who like Reversi or Go, as it offers a similar yet distinct gameplay experience. The game’s competitive nature and varied board layouts make it appealing for both casual and serious gamers. However, due to its origins as an arcade game, accessing a physical version might be challenging, making digital or home-made adaptations more practical for modern players.

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