Backgammon (1979 video game)

Last updated
Backgammon
Backgammon cartridge.jpg
Box art by Cliff Spohn
Developer(s) Atari, Inc.
Publisher(s) Atari, Inc.
Platform(s) Atari 2600
Release
Genre(s) Strategy
Mode(s) Single-player, multiplayer

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. [2] The game was one of the earliest electronic versions of Backgammon. [3]

Contents

The cover art for the game was by Cliff Spohn, who created the cover art for many early Atari games. [4]

Gameplay

Gameplay screenshot Backgammon Atari 2600.jpg
Gameplay screenshot

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. [2]

Reception

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". [5] UK-based TV Gamer called it "fairly challenging" in one-player mode. [6]

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. [2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Atari VCS game release dates". Atari Archive.
  2. 1 2 3 Weiss, Brett (2011). Classic Home Video Games, 1972-1984: A Complete Reference Guide. McFarland. p. 34. ISBN   978-0786487554 . Retrieved 8 August 2019.
  3. ↑ "Backgammon". Giant Bomb. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
  4. ↑ Lapetino, Tim (2016). Art Of Atari. Dynamite Entertainment. p. 97. ISBN   978-1524101060 . Retrieved 2 September 2019.
  5. ↑ Ahl, David H. (October 1979). "Atari Video Computer Cartridges - Backgammon". Creative Computing Magazine. 5 (10): 40. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
  6. ↑ "Backgammon" (PDF). TV Gamer (2): 20. Autumn 1983. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
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