Snapshot (1989) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Snapshot is a classic board game released in 1989 by Cadaco. It is a deduction and party game that can be played by 2 to 4 players, with a runtime of around 60 minutes. The game is designed for players aged 6 and above, making it a fun choice for families and friends to enjoy together.

Game Components of Snapshot

Camera device: A special device with numbered windows to reveal parts of a picture.

Picture cards: A stack of cards containing black and white photographs of everyday objects.

Number chips: Plastic tiles numbered to correspond with the windows on the camera device.

Photo shield: A blank card used to cover the picture during setup.

Scorekeeping tokens: Small pieces to track players’ points.

Gameboard: A simple board for organizing gameplay.

How To Setup Snapshot

To set up Snapshot, place all the number chips face down on the table. Position the stack of picture cards near the camera device and cover the top card with the photo shield. A player then uses the photo shield to take a card without seeing the picture, inserts it into the camera, and ensures all number windows cover the image. The camera is now ready for the first round.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Deduction: Players guess what the picture is by revealing parts of it.

Random selection: Players draw number chips to determine which part of the picture to reveal.

Guessing: Players can make one guess per round based on the revealed parts.

Game Objective

The first player to correctly guess 12 pictures wins the game.

Correct guesses earn one point; incorrect guesses result in a loss of two points.

Player Experience

Playing Snapshot involves a mix of deduction and luck. Players take turns selecting number chips to reveal parts of a picture and then try to guess what the picture is. The game requires minimal strategy but can be entertaining due to its unique mechanic of gradually revealing a hidden image.

Pros

Unique mechanic: The game’s method of revealing parts of a picture is engaging and different from many other board games.

Simple to learn: The rules are straightforward, making it easy for new players to join.

Family-friendly: Despite some dated content, the game can be enjoyable for families with older children.

Cons

Limited strategy: The game relies heavily on luck rather than strategic thinking.

Dated content: Some pictures may not be relevant or appealing to younger generations.

Penalty system: Losing points for incorrect guesses can be discouraging.

Personal Thoughts on Snapshot

Snapshot is a game that will appeal to those intrigued by its unique deduction mechanic and who are looking for a light, fun experience. While it may not offer deep strategic gameplay, it provides an enjoyable change of pace from more complex board games. However, its dated content and penalty system might make it less appealing to some players. If you can find it at a reasonable price and are curious about its mechanic, Snapshot might be worth adding to your game collection.

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