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This version of chess is based on the original chess program by Tansoft but it plays a better and quicker game. After the game loads you can choose what level you want and whether you want to play black or white. There is also a very interesting speech option and this announces the move that the computer makes. At first, and especially as no hardware is used, the speech is difficult to understand but the more you play the easier it becomes to make out the words. Although the speech has no real purpose it is very enjoyable and shows what can be achieved with the superb sound that the Oric possesses.

Skill level 1 is the easiest and the computer takes just 5 seconds to respond. The documentation that comes with the cassette claims that the computer may make some crazy moves; they are right. On both levels 1 and 2 the Oric will do anything to get you in check even at the expense of losing its own queen. Unless you are the real enthusiast you will be unlikely to play on the higher levels, the main reason being that on level 5 the computer takes five hours to respond. Luckily there is a save game feature which comes in very handy.

The graphics are superb with each piece clearly defined and all the moves are recorded on the left of the screen. If in trouble you are able to resign and several other options allow you to change sides at any time, set up the board in a special way or wipe out various sections of the chess board. All in all this is an excellent game: good graphics, nice screen display and speech make it one of the best offerings for the Oric machines. If you like chess, this is for you.