In 1995, Epic Megagames published a number of shareware computerized board games designed by Twisted Pine Software. Branded "Brainiacs" series after a movie of the same name, the games did not do well commercially, and today remain some of Epic's most obscure releases. Which is a pity, because Epic Hoppers, Epic Connect, and Epic Checkers offer excellent play value. Programmed for Windows 95, all three games boast multiple difficulty levels, hint and undo options, and nice graphics. If you are looking for traditional parlor games to while away coffee breaks at work, check them out. The rules of Checkers: "The object of the game is to capture all of your opponents pieces, or block them so they cannot be moved. Checkers are always moved diagonally, one square at a time, towards the other players side of the board. You can capture an enemy checker by hopping over it. Capturing, just like moving, is always done on the diagonal. You have to jump from the square directly next to your target and land on the square just beyond it (diagonally!). Your landing square has to be vacant. If you have a capture available on a turn, you have to take it. If you have more than one, its your choice. It is legal, in fact, required, to capture more than one piece on a single move so long as the jumping checker has vacant landing spots available to it that will also serve as legal take-off points for another jump. If you can get a checker to the last row of the board, that checker becomes a king. Now it can move, or capture, going in either direction." Reviewed by: Underdogs |