ANOMIE

Playing as the sun or the moon, two players compete to get three of their tiles of the same color face up on the board at the same time. Below is a general overview of the game. More detailed rules can be found in the rulebook included with your purchase.

Starting the Game:
Though both the sun player and the moon player start with three of each color of tile, before beginning the game each player discards one of their six tiles face down. This adds an element of deduction to the game, as players don't know which color their opponent can actually win with.

Turns and Flipping Mechanics:
Players take turns placing tiles on the 3x3 grid, utilizing the game's unique flipping mechanics to try and set up scenarios where they can win. When a tile is placed face up (the color is visible), all other tiles in the same row or column flip over depending on the color of the tile placed (row for blue tiles, column for red tiles). Tiles may also be placed face down, though this does not cause any flips.

Placing your own tiles face down can be used to hide information from your opponent, though doing so puts the tile itself in a more vulnerable position; players can replace one of their opponent's face down tiles with one of their own tiles, returning the face down tile to their opponent in the process. Be careful, as this is the only way tiles can be retrieved once placed. By placing your tiles carefully, it is possible to set up scenarios where you forcefully flip over one of your opponent's tiles on one turn, then replace it with one of your own the next. Just try to avoid accidentally flipping your own tiles face down when you're going for the win! 

The Anomie Tile:
The Anomie tile is a special tile that both players have access to - when placed, it flips all tiles on the board, though it does not count toward either player's win while face up. It can be useful for shaking things up in a pinch, or to instantly win if you have three tiles of the same color face down already. Unlike other tiles, if the Anomie tile is flipped face down at any point, it gets removed and returned to its position next to the board.

Hi there! We’re the developers of ANOMIE, Totty and Kubocchi.

As our first creation, ANOMIE is a game packed full of special memories. We’re very happy for the opportunity to have not just Japanese people, but everyone around the world play it. 

At the start of development, we didn’t know much at all, and while we struggled with the difficulty of designing a game from scratch, we found ourselves completely absorbed by how fun it was. Those nights we spent testing ideas together until morning have become irreplaceable memories.

Our concept was to create something anyone could pick up and enjoy—like Reversi (similar to Othello) or Gomoku (also known as Five in a Row)—simple, familiar, and fun to play again and again in a short amount of time. As a result, we’re truly happy our game has grown into something people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy.

Another thing we valued was the scene concept: “One more game before saying goodnight.” We kept that image in mind as we brought the game to life.

For example, after the kids are asleep, a couple might laugh and say “Just one more!” or “This is the last one,” as they play together. 

Or maybe it’s a warm moment between parent and child before bed, getting excited and saying “Next time I’ll win!” 

If ANOMIE can help make those precious moments with loved ones even richer, we couldn’t be happier.

We hope you’ll play it with your family, your partner, or someone special to you!

Access the English rulebook for ANOMIE here.