Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Puzzle, Strategy
- Platforms: Amiga, DOS, Family Computer Disk System, FM Towns, Mac, MSX, PC-8800 Series, PC-9800 Series, Sharp X68000
- Developers: Software Resources International
- Publishers: Accolade, ASCII Corporation, Fujitsu Interactive, Hiro Co., Ltd.
Ishidó: The Way of Stones (1988)
Introduction
Ishidó: The Way of Stones is a puzzle video game released in 1990 by Accolade and developed by Publishing International. It was designed by Michael Feinberg and programmed by Ian Gilman and Michael Sandige. Producer was Brad Fregger, and Brodie Lockard (the designer of the Shanghai computer game) contributed with graphics.
The game is set in ancient China and follows the journey of a Mendicant monk as he travels through the Han Shan province, seeking enlightenment through the Way of Stones. The monk carries with him a stone board, a set of 72 carved stone pieces, and an ancient scroll inscribed with brush and ink in elegant calligraphic script.
Gameplay
The goal of Ishidó is to arrange the stone pieces on the board in such a way that they form complete patterns. The patterns are based on the principles of Taoism and Zen Buddhism, and they represent different aspects of the natural world, such as mountains, rivers, and trees.
The game is played on a 9×9 grid, and the stone pieces come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Each piece has a unique pattern carved into it, and the pieces must be arranged so that the patterns match up.
There are a total of 100 puzzles in Ishidó, and they range in difficulty from easy to hard. The puzzles are designed to be challenging, but they are also fair and solvable.
Themes
Ishidó is a game about more than just solving puzzles. It is also a game about philosophy and self-discovery. The game’s puzzles are based on the principles of Taoism and Zen Buddhism, and they encourage players to think about the nature of reality and the meaning of life.
The game’s protagonist, the Mendicant monk, is a seeker of enlightenment. He travels through the Han Shan province, seeking to learn from the wise masters and to find his own path to enlightenment.
The game’s puzzles represent the challenges that the monk faces on his journey. Each puzzle is a metaphor for a different aspect of life, and the solutions to the puzzles represent the monk’s growing understanding of the world.
Legacy
Ishidó: The Way of Stones was a critical and commercial success when it was released in 1990. The game was praised for its beautiful graphics, challenging puzzles, and thought-provoking themes.
Ishidó has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, and it remains a popular game today. The game has been praised for its timeless appeal and its ability to teach players about philosophy and self-discovery.
Conclusion
Ishidó: The Way of Stones is a beautiful and challenging puzzle game that will test your mind and spirit. The game is set in ancient China and follows the journey of a Mendicant monk as he seeks enlightenment through the Way of Stones. The game’s puzzles are based on the principles of Taoism and Zen Buddhism, and they encourage players to think about the nature of reality and the meaning of life.
Whether you are a fan of puzzle games, philosophy, or simply beautiful games, Ishidó: The Way of Stones is a game that you should definitely check out.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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