Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Arcade, Shooter, Strategy
- Platforms: Amiga, Arcade, Atari ST/STE, DOS
- Developers: Synergistic Software, Inc.
- Publishers: Arcadia Systems, Mastertronic
SideWinder (1988): A Connect Four Variant with a Twist
Released in 1988, SideWinder is a German video game based on the classic board game Connect Four. Developed by Rainbow Arts and published by SSI, the game was released for the Amiga, Atari ST, Commodore 64, and MS-DOS.
Gameplay
SideWinder takes the basic gameplay of Connect Four and adds a few twists. The game is played on a 7×6 grid, and players take turns dropping their colored pieces into the grid from the top. The goal is to be the first player to connect four of their pieces in a row, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
However, unlike in Connect Four, pieces in SideWinder can also be moved sideways after they have been dropped. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, as players must now consider not only where to drop their pieces, but also how to move them afterwards.
Features
In addition to the standard Connect Four gameplay, SideWinder also includes a number of additional features:
- Two-player mode: Play against a friend or family member on the same computer.
- Computer opponent: Play against a computer opponent of varying difficulty levels.
- Tournament mode: Compete in a tournament against multiple computer opponents.
- Editor: Create and play your own custom levels.
Reception
SideWinder was generally well-received by critics upon its release. The game was praised for its addictive gameplay, challenging AI, and innovative use of the Connect Four formula. However, some critics found the game to be too similar to Connect Four, and felt that it didn’t offer enough new features to justify its purchase.
Legacy
SideWinder remains a popular game among fans of Connect Four and retro gaming. The game’s simple gameplay and challenging strategy make it a great choice for gamers of all ages. SideWinder has also been cited as an influence on several other video games, including Puyo Puyo and Tetris.
Conclusion
SideWinder is a fun and challenging Connect Four variant that adds a few new twists to the classic formula. With its addictive gameplay, challenging AI, and innovative use of the Connect Four formula, SideWinder is a great choice for gamers of all ages.
Review Score
7/10
