Matrix v1.2- by Bob Smith

A Strategic Tile Game

Brought to you by the same company that developed the popular Xit, Matrix is a different kind of game than the usual card games, shoot-em-ups, etc. which are available for OS/2. Besides being written strictly for OS/2, it is a game which requires thinking and planning ahead. At first, without reading the rules, it isn't apparent just what the objective is, but after reading the rules, it becomes quite clear; but definitely not easy!

This game is on the small side. The zip file takes up only about 96k and only contains the executable, a help file and documentation. There is no installation utility but none is needed. The game is executed from a command prompt by typing its name or from the desktop by clicking the matrix.exe file object. If you want a program object you will have to set one up yourself but the program makes no changes to system files so deletion of the files is all that's necessary to uninstall.

For the first week or so that I had Matrix, I played against the computer with the difficulty set at "moron" level. That's the default, and when I couldn't lose, I went checking to see why. Also available are: Novice, Average Joe and Ace. Average Joe makes the game much more difficult and I am currently reevaluating my estimate of how easy this game is.

The game (gif 15.5k) really is simple. On your turn you have a choice of three tiles, each with three colored squares on it. You must place the tile on the board so that it is totally adjacent to another tile. Points are scored when you line up three or more squares of the same color, horizontally, vertically or diagonally. Tiles with all three spots the same color do not need to be totally adjacent to another tile and can change the complexion of the game in a hurry. The trick is, diagonal rows are worth double points so you have to carefully plan ahead to line them up while keeping the computer from doing the same. The game lasts until each player has placed 24 tiles.

Although straightforward in play, the game is very versatile (.gif 9.5k) when it comes to its look. The board can be set to display many colors or you can use a bitmap as a background. A grid is available, if desired, but really not necessary. The spots on the tiles can also be changed to one of five shapes and five patterns and a bunch of colors. One option which really makes it harder to beat the computer is the ability to hide the tiles which are available to the computer for its next turn.

At the "moron" level it is rather dull and uninteresting since it's really hard to lose but since changing the difficulty upwards, I find this game far more interesting and it sometimes even takes me away from my solitaire! I like the game but haven't gotten addicted to it yet. It's one of those things that I downloaded because it sounded interesting and, unlike most, it will be kept and used. Definitely a keeper and worth the price.

The game is available as shareware and can be registered with BMT Micro or CodeSmith Software. Registration is $15 US or Canadian.

* Matrix v1.2 (93k)
CodeSmith Software
Author: Michael Shillingford
Registration: US$15
Bob Smith is a 15 year veteran as a USAF pilot, retired from the Fire Service as an Arson Investigator and Fire Chief in a small city in California, USA. He is currently working as a photographer and computer consultant and has been using OS/2 since v2.0.

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