Game: Sisimizi

Thread: There are ants everywhere!

sbarrera — 2008-08-19T01:57:37+00:00

Sisimizi is a simple game where the objective is to build a line of ants connecting seven anthills. From 2-4 can play, each player receiving a set of ants and anthills of a particular color.

]]>

The board is a hex layout with nine different regions. In each region are four hexes marked with black dots, on which the anthills are placed. The ants go on the other hexes. There are three other restrictions for placement - a player can have no more than one anthill in each region, all ants must be placed next to an anthill or another ant, and only one thing can go on each hex (there is an exception to the third restriction).

I don't own the game and I'm a bit fuzzy on the rules, so I may not be completely accurate here.

At the start of the game, each player places one (or maybe two?) anthills. Again, these must go on the marked hexes, with each player allowed only one in each region. Then they take turns taking three (four?) placements apiece. They may place another anthill, place ants, or move any already placed pieces. When moving pieces, they are subject to the restriction that remaining ants must be connected in a line to one of the player's anthills.

The goal is to have a continuous line of ants connecting all seven anthills, which of necessity must be long and stringy, since the anthills have to be spread out across the regions. Of course, in time, players will be cutting each other off. There may be a Tron-like race to be the first to complete a line to an endpoint. It may be necessary to use the move option to swing a line in a new direction when a player is being cut off.

One other rule is helpful - once per game, each player is allowed to place an ant on top of an opponent's, crossing a line, in other words. But only once, so this placement must be made wisely. Usually it is best to reserve the option until the final rush to victory.

The game is essentially an exercise in topology, as many placement games are. Some of the anthill locations are more desirable than others, mainly the ones closest to regions other than the one in which they reside. Starting in the center gives more directions to build, but also more chances to be cut off, since that is the busiest part of the board.

Usually when I have played, one or two players get an advantage and the other players are shut out in the final turns. Sometimes there's a race between two leaders and another player can play spoiler by deciding which one to cut off. Often it is clear who will win a few turns before the final placement.

This is not a very deep game but it can be fun. It is also very hard to find a copy, and would probably make a nice gift for a collector.

Image

janus — 2008-07-29T19:47:05+00:00

Sisimizi in a sunny day

Thread: Re: Crossing ant chains

beckerc — 2006-08-07T13:42:12+00:00

leberegel wrote:
The rules state, that you are only allowed to cross another players chain of ants once during a 3 player game. Does that mean:
1) only one crossing allowed to be on the board at any one timepoint (so I can remove it and place it again somewhere else)?
2) only one crossing can be done during the whole game (no relocation of the crossing)?
We played it according to 1).
Still, with 4 players the game didn't work for us.

Thread: Crossing ant chains

leberegel — 2006-08-07T07:51:31+00:00

The rules state, that you are only allowed to cross another players chain of ants once during a 3 player game. Does that mean:
1) only one crossing allowed to be on the board at any one timepoint (so I can remove it and place it again somewhere else)?
2) only one crossing can be done during the whole game (no relocation of the crossing)?

Image

Dr. Fu — 2006-06-19T17:41:48+00:00

Image

Dr. Fu — 2006-06-19T17:41:41+00:00

Image

Dr. Fu — 2006-06-19T17:41:32+00:00

Image

Dr. Fu — 2006-06-19T17:41:04+00:00

Image

Dr. Fu — 2006-06-19T17:34:08+00:00

Image

Dr. Fu — 2006-06-19T17:33:49+00:00

Image

Dr. Fu — 2006-06-19T17:26:24+00:00

Image

Dr. Fu — 2006-06-19T17:26:17+00:00

Image

montsegur — 2004-07-19T22:03:39+00:00