Milton Bradley Classic Board Games is a collection of 7 "classsic" board games, effectively, but unimaginatively translated to the PC, vintage 1999. The seven games are Checkers, Connect Four, Chess, Dominoes, Parcheesi, Pente and Backgammon. Although these games don't really push the envelope of computerized game play, this package does offer "hot seat" play for up to four players, tutorials, multiplayer play via a TCP/IP or modem connection, and an "on screen" virtual host who will teach you the basic rules of each game. Milton Bradley Classic Board Games requires a 90mhz or better Pentium PC running Windows 95 or greater. We've used this game on systems ranging from Win 95 to Win XP, and all inbetween without problems.
Installation
The game comes on one cd in a standard plastic cd case, with no manual. Fortunately, these games are so simply you don't really need a manual. Installation of the game should proceed smoothly, although since this game was released in 1999, and it offers to install DirectX 6.0 on your system. DirectX is a Microsoft Windows add in that provides for better graphics and sound performance when playing games. As most users will have DirectX 8, and this game doesn't seem to recognize later versions of DirectX, you will need to decline this installation.
Tutorial
A tutorial is offered for each game, even checkers, in case you don't know rules. A cartoonish character named "Ace" will teach you the rules of each game, telling you the basic rules over the background of each game's playing surface. Ace provides an effecting introduction to each game, but none of the strategy you need to know to excel at each game. Ace seems geared to provide the right level of instruction for children, aged 8 to about 12.
Gameplay
Launching the game first lets you sign in, and chose one of nine "cartoon" characters to represent you in the game. You computer opponent(s) will also be one of these "cartoon" characters. Signing in is important, as Classic Board Games maintains a history of high scores and win-loss records for each game for each "person" who signs into the game. After you chose your name, you'll be asked to pick which game to play. Three games offer two variations, meaning you can probably play the games the way you learned to play, including:
Checkers - Jumps are forced or optional
Backgammon - Doubling cube or regular
Dominoes - single set or double set
Pente, Parchisi, Connect 4, Chess - no variations
Each game offers 4 levels of difficulty Easy, Average, Expert, and Master. I'd estimate on Easy most 8-10 year olds should be able to win with a few practice games. None of the difficulty levels are complete pushovers, as you might want for small children to be able to enjoy this game. The harder levels should challenge almost all casual players of board games.
Other gameplay options include how fast your opponent moves, and volume controls for music and sound effects. Each of the board games included here also tracks your win/loss record, and the highest difficulty level at which you've won.
Each game moves along quickly, and while the computer opponents does not verbally assault you, he or she occasonially celebrates or acts disgusted, depending on his last move. At any point in the game you can save or quit, and in games like chess and checkers, you can offer to "resign" (give up) or take a "draw". Gameplay "action" takes place on a virtual playboard on your computer screen, with 256 color graphics that effectively and clearly translate the game action, but aren't spectular enough to add to the experience. Along side most of the gameboards are boxes that help track how the game is proceeding, for example, the boxes next to the checkerboard display how many checkers you have taken from your opponent.
Multiplayer
Classic board games offer multiplayer via TCP/IP or modem connection, or via hot seat play. The four player games can be played by 1-4 human players, with the remaining seats taken by a computer. TCP/IP over a home network worked pretty easily, the game recognized the computers on the network that were available to play, and joining a game only required a click of a button. Hot seat play also works pretty well, but most hot seat players will likely prefer the real board game.
Support/availability
Hasbro Interactive released a plethora of computer versions of popular board and card games (Monopoly, Scrabble, Clue, Risk and Boggle, etc) a few years ago. In 2001, they sold this business and the rest of their software business (Microprose, Atari) to Infogrames, who still maintains a webpage providing support for this game at the following link:
http://www.ina-support.com/faq/mbgames_pc.asp
Unfortunately, this game is not widely available at major software outlets anymore, and if you want to buy this game, you will need to look at some of the online discount retailers, who feature older or overstock software, or on Ebay, or the store listed by Epinions below this review. A google search for this game will point you to several stores selling the game for $15 or so.
Conclusion
Milton Bradley Classic Board Games brings Checkers, Connect Four, Chess, Dominoes, Parcheesi, Pente and Backgammon, to the PC in a cost effective, stable, and fairly fun manner. Except for the "On Screen Host" (Ace), Hasbro did not go the extra mile to fully take advantage of your computer with flashy graphics or new variations. If you've never played Backgammon, or one of these other games, Ace will get you started in quick fashion, and the beginner level opponents will play at a level to make the game interesting. If you or your children appreciate a quick turn at one of these classics, this will be a few dollars well spent.
Related Reviews
Monopoly Tycoon for Windows
http://www.epinions.com/content_43199008388
