Anticipation (1988)
Anticipation is a puzzle game developed by Rare and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1988. The game is a board game-style puzzle game where players must guess words based on pictures. Anticipation is known for its unique concept, simple controls, and its fun, family-friendly gameplay.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Players are presented with a series of pictures, and must guess the word that the picture represents. The game features a "board game" system, where players move around a board, answering questions to earn points. The game's difficulty increases as the player progresses, with more complex pictures and words.
The game includes multiple modes, including a single-player mode where players compete against the CPU, and a two-player mode for competitive play. The game's visual style is colorful and detailed, with large, expressive character sprites and vibrant, cartoon-themed backgrounds. The soundtrack features cheerful and upbeat music that matches the game's lighthearted tone. The game's controls are simple, with a focus on reading and answering questions.
Legacy and Reception
Anticipation is considered a solid puzzle game for the NES. It is praised for its unique concept, simple controls, and its fun, family-friendly gameplay. The game is often compared to other puzzle games of the era, and it is remembered as one of the better family-friendly titles on the console. Anticipation holds a nostalgic place for fans of the NES and puzzle games.