Backgammon (1979 video game)
| Backgammon | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Atari, Inc. |
| Publisher(s) | Atari, Inc. |
| Platform(s) | Atari 2600 |
| Release |
|
| Genre(s) | Strategy |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, two-player |
Backgammon is a video game adaptation of the board-game backgammon developed by Atari, Inc. for the Atari Video Computer System (later the Atari 2600) and released in 1979.[1] The game was one of the earliest electronic versions of Backgammon.[2]
The cover art for the game was by Chris Spohn, who created the cover art for many early Atari games.[3]
Gameplay
[edit]
Eight different modes of playing backgammon were included in the game, including "Acey deucey". A doubling cube was available in-game for use in gambling. The rolling of the dice and other gaming operations were controlled via the paddle/joystick. The game was playable in both single-player and two-player, competitive mode.[1]
Reception
[edit]Contemporary reviewers were relatively positive about the game. In an October 1979 review, American computer magazine Creative Computing described the game as "excellent for someone learning Backgammon" and as "provid[ing] an interesting challenge to beginner to intermediate players".[4] UK-based TV Gamer called it "fairly challenging" in one-player mode.[5]
In Classic Home Video Games, 1972-1984: A Complete Reference Guide, Brett Weiss described it as "user friendly and clearly defined", although he also noted that it was easy to beat the computer.[1]
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Weiss, Brett (2011). Classic Home Video Games, 1972-1984: A Complete Reference Guide. McFarland. p. 34. ISBN 978-0786487554. Retrieved 8 August 2019.
- ^ "Backgammon". Giant Bomb. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
- ^ Lapetino, Tim (2016). Art Of Atari. Dynamite Entertainment. p. 97. ISBN 978-1524101060. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
- ^ Ahl, David H. (October 1979). "Atari Video Computer Cartridges - Backgammon". Creative Computing Magazine. 5 (10): 40. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
- ^ "Backgammon" (PDF). TV Gamer (2): 20. Autumn 1983. Retrieved 2 September 2019.