Platform: Fairchild Channel F

Videocart 20 – Schach (1979)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

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

Screenshots

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Videocart-26: Alien Invasion (1981)

by Nish
written by Nish 4 minutes read

Summary

Videocart-26: Alien Invasion (1981) – A Nostalgic Space Shooter

Introduction

Released in 1981, Videocart-26: Alien Invasion is a classic arcade game that brings back fond memories for many retro gaming enthusiasts. Inspired by the legendary Space Invaders, Alien Invasion offers a thrilling and challenging gameplay experience that has stood the test of time.

Gameplay

In Alien Invasion, players take control of a gun turret located at the bottom of the screen. The objective is to defend Earth from relentless waves of alien invaders by shooting them down before they reach the planet’s surface. The turret can move left and right and hide behind three protective barriers.

The alien invaders move in formation across the screen, firing missiles at the player’s turret. They gradually descend towards the planet, and if they land, the game is over. Occasionally, an alien mothership will fly across the top of the screen, offering bonus points for destroying it.

Controls

Videocart-26: Alien Invasion features simple and intuitive controls:

  • Joystick: Move the gun turret left and right.
  • Fire button: Shoot missiles at the alien invaders.
  • Start button: Start a new game.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Alien Invasion showcased impressive graphics and sound effects. The pixelated aliens and spaceships are easily recognizable, and the explosions and laser fire create an immersive gaming atmosphere. The game’s soundtrack is repetitive but adds to the overall retro charm.

Legacy and Impact

Alien Invasion was one of the many arcade games that defined the golden age of video gaming. It was a popular choice in arcades and homes, and its influence can still be seen in modern shoot ’em up games.

The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, combined with its nostalgic appeal, has ensured its place in gaming history. It remains a beloved classic for retro gaming enthusiasts and a testament to the enduring power of arcade gaming.

Tips and Tricks

  • Prioritize the alien motherships: Destroying the motherships gives you extra points and slows down the alien invasion.
  • Use the barriers wisely: Hide behind the barriers to protect your turret from enemy fire.
  • Don’t be afraid to move: Keep your turret moving to avoid getting hit by alien missiles.
  • Practice makes perfect: The more you play, the better you will become at predicting the aliens’ movements and conserving your ammo.

Conclusion

Videocart-26: Alien Invasion is a timeless arcade classic that offers a perfect blend of nostalgia, challenge, and fun. Its simple gameplay, vibrant graphics, and catchy sound effects have made it a beloved favorite among retro gaming enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the world of classic arcade games, Alien Invasion is a must-play experience that will transport you back to the golden age of gaming.

Review Score

8/10

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Videocart-25: Casino Poker (1981)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Videocart-25: Casino Poker (1981)

Released in 1981 for the Atari 2600, Videocart-25: Casino Poker is a simulation of the five-card draw poker variant. It was developed by Atari, Inc. and was one of the first poker games released for a home video game console.

The game features a computerized dealer and two more players (human or computer-controlled). Each player is dealt five cards, and then the betting begins. Players can call, raise, or fold. If they don’t like their cards, they can fold and forfeit their bet.

Once the first round of betting is complete, players can then choose to discard up to three of their cards in exchange for new ones. This is known as the “draw.” After the draw, there is another round of betting.

After the second round of betting, all the players that didn’t fold must show their cards. The player with the highest hand wins the pot.

Videocart-25: Casino Poker was a groundbreaking game for its time. It was one of the first poker games to be released for a home video game console, and it offered a realistic and challenging poker experience. The game was also one of the first to feature computer-controlled opponents, which allowed players to practice their poker skills without having to find other human players.

The game was a commercial success, and it helped to popularize poker on home video game consoles. It also helped to pave the way for the development of more sophisticated poker games in the future.

Gameplay

Videocart-25: Casino Poker is played with a standard deck of 52 cards. The game supports up to three players, including the human player and two computer-controlled opponents.

The game begins with each player being dealt five cards. The player can then choose to call, raise, or fold. If the player calls, they must match the current bet. If the player raises, they must bet more than the current bet. If the player folds, they forfeit their bet and are out of the hand.

Once all the players have acted, the betting round is over and the draw begins. The player can choose to discard up to three of their cards and receive new ones from the deck. After the draw, there is another round of betting.

After the second round of betting, all the players that didn’t fold must show their cards. The player with the highest hand wins the pot.

Betting

The betting in Videocart-25: Casino Poker is simple. The player can call, raise, or fold. The minimum bet is $1, and the maximum bet is $25.

If the player calls, they must match the current bet. If the player raises, they must bet more than the current bet. The player can raise by any amount up to the maximum bet of $25.

If the player folds, they forfeit their bet and are out of the hand.

Hands

The hands in Videocart-25: Casino Poker are ranked from highest to lowest as follows:

  • Royal flush: A, K, Q, J, 10 of the same suit
  • Straight flush: Five cards in a row, all of the same suit
  • Four of a kind: Four cards of the same rank
  • Full house: Three of a kind and a pair
  • Flush: Five cards of the same suit
  • Straight: Five cards in a row
  • Three of a kind: Three cards of the same rank
  • Two pair: Two pairs of cards
  • One pair: Two cards of the same rank
  • High card: The highest-ranking card in the player’s hand

Strategy

There are a few basic strategy tips that can help you win more hands in Videocart-25: Casino Poker:

  • Play tight. Don’t call or raise with weak hands. Only play hands that have a good chance of winning.
  • Bet aggressively. If you have a strong hand, don’t be afraid to bet aggressively. This will force your opponents to fold their weaker hands.
  • Bluff occasionally. Bluffing can be a powerful tool in poker, but it should be used sparingly. Only bluff when you think your opponent is likely to fold.

Legacy

Videocart-25: Casino Poker was a groundbreaking game for its time. It was one of the first poker games to be released for a home video game console, and it offered a realistic and challenging poker experience. The game was also one of the first to feature computer-controlled opponents, which allowed players to practice their poker skills without having to find other human players.

The game was a commercial success, and it helped to popularize poker on home video game consoles. It also helped to pave the way for the development of more sophisticated poker games in the future.

Today, Videocart-25: Casino Poker is still considered to be one of the best poker games ever released for the Atari 2600. It is a challenging and rewarding game that can be enjoyed by players of all skill levels.

Review Score

7/10

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