Beebug
1st October 1982Categories: Review: Software
Author: Ian Bell
Published in Beebug Volume 1 Number 6
Chess
I found that the delivery time was good and it is an excellent chess package except for one let-down. It uses teletext graphics which produces a rather ugly display. Perhaps this is to be expected with a program that works on a Model A, but I hope that a Model B program will contain better graphics. Program Power say that this is in the works.
There is the usual player choice of colour, and illegal move rejection. Moves are made using algebraic notation i.e. e2-e4, etc. There are six levels of play. The more exotic features are 'en passant', delete last move (useful if you have made a wrong move), and a replay feature where the program remembers the game and can display it move by move so you can see where you went wrong.
It is also possible to 'set up' any initial position and play from there. In the 'Blitz' chess option, you must make your moves in 10 seconds (all games display a clock of your time) or forfeit it. The program gets slightly confused if you are in check when forfeiting your move. The program plays a strong game; level 1 takes about 5 seconds to move, it plays so well that it may be a disadvantage since a learning player will probably get thrashed on this, the lowest level.
Level 2 is much more challenging, and you cannot afford to make any mistakes when playing this; response time is about 20 seconds. I have not attempted level 3 since it does take the better part of a minute or two to move.
This is a very "clean" program, it was easy to load, and you can resign at any time by pressing Escape. Apart from the display, I find it difficult to criticise this program. I would have liked a winking character on the higher levels to reassure me that it hadn't stopped working.
In short, excellent value for money unless you have your heart set on a high resolution display. Especially recommended for Model A users.