Summary
- Release Year: 1979
- Genres: Simulator, Strategy
- Platforms: Fairchild Channel F
- Developers: SABA
- Publishers: SABA
Videocart 20 – Schach (1979): An In-Depth Review
Introduction
Videocart 20 – Schach is an early chess simulation game released in 1979 for the Saba Videoplay system, a Channel F-compatible console that was licensed by Fairchild for the European market. As one of the first games to bring chess to home video game consoles, Videocart 20 – Schach is a significant milestone in gaming history.
Gameplay
Videocart 20 – Schach is a single-player game, meaning that you can only play against the computer. There is no multiplayer support. The player can choose to play as either the white (actually green on screen) or black (actually red) pieces.
The game offers four different AI difficulty levels. The easiest AI plays its turns in a matter of seconds, while the most difficult AI can take up to 50 minutes to decide its move. This wide range of difficulty levels makes the game accessible to both beginners and experienced chess players.
During the game, the player can ask the computer to help them with their next move. In these situations, the system analyzes the board and plays impartially. This feature can be helpful for beginners who are still learning the game.
Graphics and Sound
The graphics in Videocart 20 – Schach are simple but effective. The chessboard is displayed in a top-down perspective, and the pieces are represented by colored squares. The game does not have any sound effects or music.
Reception
Videocart 20 – Schach was a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies in Europe. The game was praised for its challenging AI and its innovative features, such as the ability to ask the computer for help. However, some critics found the graphics to be too simplistic.
Legacy
Videocart 20 – Schach is an important game in the history of video game chess simulations. It was one of the first games to bring chess to home video game consoles, and it helped to popularize the game among a wider audience. The game’s challenging AI and innovative features continue to influence chess simulation games today.
Conclusion
Videocart 20 – Schach is a classic chess simulation game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. Its challenging AI and innovative features make it a great choice for both beginners and experienced chess players. If you are a fan of chess or video game history, then you should definitely check out Videocart 20 – Schach.
Additional Information
- Videocart 20 – Schach was developed by German company Interton.
- The game was released in Europe only.
- The game cartridge has an integrated red LED that lights up while the computer is “thinking.”
- The game was also released under the name “TV Chess.”
Tips for Playing Videocart 20 – Schach
- Start with the easiest AI difficulty level and gradually increase the difficulty as you improve your skills.
- Don’t be afraid to ask the computer for help if you are stuck.
- Pay attention to the position of your pieces and the pieces of your opponent.
- Think ahead and try to anticipate your opponent’s moves.
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes when they are learning to play chess.
Review Score
7/10
Art
Cover Art
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