Games Computing
1st March 1985Reversi (Continental)
Reversi was invented in 1888 and is thus coming up for its centenary. It is one of those well tested simple logic board games which turn out to be not so simple when you play them. The game starts with 4 counters on the middle square of an 8 x 8 chess board. Two are black and white. You decide which colour you wish to be - black starts and is supposedly easier. The object of the game is to enclose your opponent's pieces between two of yours either diagonally, horizontally or vertically, in which case they change their colour to yours. The game progresses by alternate moves until neither player can go or until all the squares are filled. In either case the winner is the one who has the most pieces of his colour on the board at the end of the game. If a player can't go he forfeits a turn.
On loading the program you are presented with a menu of options. Firstly, you can select instructions which are clearly stated, or go to the games proper. If you select instructions, you are able to alter the board to one of six colour combinations, ask for a hint on play, or quit the game. You can select from four levels of play, which get progressively more difficult. Consequently, the computer takes longer to work out its moves for each successive level. Your score is indicated by a white arrow on screen alongside the colour you choose to be for that game.
If you select the highest level of play, the computer asks you to wait for its response and a bar code timer clocks up at the bottom of the screen to indicate that the computer is working. The hint option is useful because it allows you to seek advice from the computer. When it has finished deliberating what you should do it puts an 'H' on screen at the position it recommends you go next.
The game is a good old favourite and well presented in this version. There's no need for sound and the graphics are simple and well ordered, with keyboard or joystick control of moves. However, you need to use skill, judgement and logic to play the game to the full. Good value for money.
Scores
Memotech VersionOverall | 83% |