Video Chess

• Release Date: 1979
• Genre: Traditional
• Style: Board Game
• Similar Games: Othello (Nintendo Entertainment System), Chessmaster (Commodore 64/128), Othello (Commodore 64/128), Chessmaster (IBM PC Compatible), Othello (Atari Video Computer System), Video Checkers (Atari Video Computer System), The Chessmaster (Nintendo Entertainment System), The Chessmaster (Super Nintendo Entertainment System), Othello (Game Boy), The Chessmaster (Game Boy), The Chessmaster (Sega Game Gear), Chessmaster (Game Boy Color)

Game Description

The ancient game of strategy can now be played on your television screen with the release of Atari's Video Chess. The goal is still the same: capture your opponent's king while protecting your own. Video Chess is a one-player game that offers eight different skill levels, including a special children's level that is appropriate for those still learning how to play.

Each player begins with sixteen pieces on opposite sides of a checkered game board: eight pawns, two bishops, two knights, two rooks, one queen and one king. One side plays with black, the other with white. Depending on the rank (with the pawn being the lowest and king highest), each piece can move across the board a certain number of spaces or in a specific direction.

Since Video Chess follows the rules of the game, the computer will not let players make illegal moves, but will allow castling and en passant maneuvers. Positioning pieces involves highlighting each one with a flashing "X" cursor and pressing the red button. The activated piece will start flashing and can be placed wherever it can legally move on the board.

Flipping the left difficulty switch allows players to customize the board and practice moves, while the right switch alternates between black and white pieces.

Review: Overall

Most likely designed to hook the adult market into buying the Atari 2600, Video Chess is a fairly competent game that will please anyone looking to exercise their grey matter. Well, at least up to a point (more on this later). The name fits the game perfectly; this is just chess on a television screen, so don't expect different variations or new wrinkles on gameplay. Moving the pieces is a snap with an intuitive cursor system that's manipulated by the joystick. Simply guide the cursor over the piece you want to move, press the button, and select any space on the board. Once you release the button, the piece will automatically fall into place. Of course, if the move is illegal, the computer won't allow it.

While Video Chess may be a perfect choice for those just getting their feet wet, older audiences will have to be extremely patient. The problem is the length of time the computer takes to make its decision; the higher you move up in difficulty, the longer it takes. Though the first three levels are all under 45 seconds, once you get to the fourth level, you'll have to wait nearly three minutes before it's your turn again. Level six has the computer taking twelve minutes for each turn, so you might as well drive to the store and pick up a few snacks to tide you over. Level seven, the highest difficulty in the game, takes so long that you can leave the Atari 2600 on while you go to work; it will still be thinking when you come back.

It all comes down to this: if you fancy yourself a good chess player, the computer won't offer much of a challenge unless you also happen to be very patient. You can also play with a friend, but what's the point? You might as well break out the real game!

Review: Enjoyment

If you're a novice player, you'll have a lot of fun against the computer. Those expecting a challenge will have to wait a long time before moving again!

Review: Graphics

The knight piece looks a little strange, but the rest of the pieces are easy to make out.

Review: Sound

You'll get a nasty sounding buzz if you try to make an illegal move. That's about it!

Review: Replay Value

The game has limitless replay value with a friend. Some will hate the long waiting time between turns.

Review: Documentation

The basic game is described, but don't expect a detailed description of how to play chess.

Production Credits