Battle Chess

[Tom Henrik]

Feel free to comment and discuss this game here. Also, if you have any useful tips or tricks don't hesitate to share them with the others! Thanks!

Review (http://www.abandonia.com/en/games/308)

[Rogue]

Sure,

lern to play damn chess if you like to win this game. :w00t:

Nice game, used to play it a lot on Amiga.

I got at home Chessmaster 4000. Is that ABW?

[Yamcha]

I played another one the camera was like Age of Empires for example.Actualy itr was somekind of puzlle very interesting game :w00t: I pass it for 4 hours from the first play :D

[Eagle of Fire]

You must be talking about Majestic Chess.

[UberDave]

I couldn't get any sound out of this on my Win 98 machine, i'll try with XP later and see how that goes.

I used to have this on a CD, the help file was amazing, each charechter would give you a huge speech telling you about the history of chess. I'm sure the graphics were better aswell, maybe I had version 2 or maybe I just rememberd it looking better. If anyone knows about a later version of this game please let me know. Thanks

[BUFFY]

I can't get sound either...

"Digitized sounds are not available in Enchanced Mode due to the nature of ......... use Standard Mode to allow for digitized sounds".

.... how is Standard mode achieved, is this what everyone else is using?

[Wael]

Originally posted by UberDave@Nov 17 2004, 02:33 AM
I used to have this on a CD, the help file was amazing, each charechter would give you a huge speech telling you about the history of chess. I'm sure the graphics were better aswell, maybe I had version 2 or maybe I just rememberd it looking better. If anyone knows about a later version of this game please let me know. Thanks
Could you mean this? (http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/196955.asp?q=chess)

[Sebatianos]

Chess, the game that measures if the TOOL (the computer) has developed into the artificial inteligence!

I can never have enoguh fo this game (chess in general)!!!

[UberDave]

Originally posted by Wael+Nov 17 2004, 04:40 AM****</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Wael @ Nov 17 2004, 04:40 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> ******QuoteBegin-UberDave@Nov 17 2004, 02:33 AM
I used to have this on a CD, the help file was amazing, each charechter would give you a huge speech telling you about the history of chess. I'm sure the graphics were better aswell, maybe I had version 2 or maybe I just rememberd it looking better. If anyone knows about a later version of this game please let me know. Thanks
Could you mean this? (http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/196955.asp?q=chess) [/b][/quote]
Nope it definetly wasn't that, that looks cool though.

The version I had was Battle Chess the charechter animations were the same.

Hmm this is bugging me now, i'm gonna have to look into this....


Thanks anyway Wael :cheers:

[Unknown Hero]

Originally posted by UberDave@Nov 17 2004, 03:33 AM
I couldn't get any sound out of this on my Win 98 machine, i'll try with XP later and see how that goes.

I used to have this on a CD, the help file was amazing, each charechter would give you a huge speech telling you about the history of chess. I'm sure the graphics were better aswell, maybe I had version 2 or maybe I just rememberd it looking better. If anyone knows about a later version of this game please let me know. Thanks
Maybe you should try playing the game in DosBox?
Go to the main site - programs and it should be there!

NOTE: To run a game in DosBox, just drag&drop game's .exe file over DosBox.exe file! :ok:

[Yamcha]

Originally posted by Sebatianos+Nov 17 2004, 03:07 PM****</div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Sebatianos @ Nov 17 2004, 03:07 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> ******QuoteBegin-Anubis@Nov 17 2004, 04:57 PM
Of course you can't tell around how you beat me in that game!* LOL* LOL* LOL
I'd have to do it first (but when it comes to chess I had the privelega to play with two real Grand Masters - not at the sema time of course - and lost of course - but still, I'm proud of it). [/b][/quote]
well count me in.but i still prefere pool2 :D

[BUFFY]

Originally posted by Unknown Hero@Nov 17 2004, 08:30 PM
Maybe you should try playing the game in DosBox?
Go to the main site - programs* * and it should be there!

NOTE: To run a game in DosBox, just drag&drop game's .exe file over DosBox.exe file! :ok:
When I experienced sound problems in XP I tried DosBox, thinking maybe that was the "Standard mode".
But in DosBox it says its a Windows game and to run it from Windows.

I'll try the drag and drop theory (had always mounted the file previously)

[Edit] Nope, definitely requires Windows. Anyone know how to get into 'Standard Mode'?

[mouse31e]

Originally posted by BUFFY@Nov 17 2004, 10:32 PM
Nope, definitely requires Windows. Anyone know how to get into 'Standard Mode'?
I don't know whether you can. You would need a program to emulate Windows 3.1 or alternatively install Windows 3.1 on your computer, but that might be a bit excessive for the sake of a few sounds. I don't know of any software that runs under windows that will emulate windows 3.1.

Sorry to get technical but Standard mode was the way Windows 3.1 set up the memory for 80286 systems. Enhanced mode was for 80386 systems but at the time most people were using standard mode as it ran much quicker than enhanced mode - presumably why Interplay chose to leave the sound out of enhanced mode.

If anyone knows of easy-to-use software that will emulate Windows 3.1 Standard Mode that would be good cause we can all get the sound up and running but otherwise I'd just enjoy the fantastic animations and get by without the sound. :D

EDIT: Been away and researched this some more. Ironically, you can Emulate Windows 3.1 under Linux but as far as I can tell, not under Windows so I'll be settling for no sound. (I have Linux but last time I installed it, it ended with me formatting my computer entirely so I'm steering clear of it for a while!)

[Tom Henrik]

Sorry for not replying t all of you, but the mouse is correct.

No sound, sorry.

[Eagle of Fire]

Then what about the DOS version?

Not that the sound are really a good feature in this game... But hey, I thought Abadonia was about DOS games after all... :)

[Tom Henrik]

The DOS version is NOT abandoned :ok:

[Eagle of Fire]

Really? This is most curious. Why would someone abandon a newer version of the same game? :blink:

[Tom Henrik]

Because the win version has some flaws (like NEEDING Win 3.11 for sound).

[Vim Fuego]

I remember playing this in 1988 or 1989 on the computers at school, in monochrome. It still hasn't gotten any easier (I STILL lose on novice level), but it's just as much fun with the pieces.

[Sagara]

I like Battle Chess coz it brings back memories of my first PC...a Pentium II...those were the days...My first game was Gods...which you recently uploaded, but it runs so slow on this AMD Duron with DosBox. (too bad)

[Rorture]

Mine won't work under Xp for some reason.

I tried changing the compatibility settings, but that didn't work.

Any suggestions?

[mouse31e]

No Idea I'm afraid.

I've had no problem with it under XP, can't imagine why there would be any problem.

What is it doing? If it's not starting at all it might be that you got a bad download. Maybe you should try again!

Sorry I can't help more. If you post exactly what it is or isn't doing then maybe I can help further.

[Rorture]

It comes up with a message that says


C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\AUTOEXC.NET
The system file is not suitable for running MS DOS or MICROSOFT WINDOWS applications

[mouse31e]

Ok. I think I know the answer for that one!

Do a search on windows for autoexec which should find it.

When you have found it copy it into your C:\Windows\System32 folder.

This file is included with Windows XP but for some reason it is not always installed.

If you have a big drive you can limit the search to the Windows folder as it will be in there somewhere if you have it. I found it in C:\Windows\Repair when I had that problem.

Hope this helps. :D :D :D :D

[Rorture]

well, i copied the autoexec file into the system32 folder but nothing has chnaged

is there anything else i'm supposed to do?

[Eagle of Fire]

You are supposed to have autoexec.bat and config.sys in your root directory (usually c:\). That's how DOS worked in the old days, they are the files which make the computer start and load all DOS programs.

[Sheek]

Wow, I played this game about ten years ago or something... Never thought I'd find it again.

[mouse31e]

Originally posted by Eagle of Fire@Nov 21 2004, 09:37 PM
You are supposed to have autoexec.bat and config.sys in your root directory (usually c:\). That's how DOS worked in the old days, they are the files which make the computer start and load all DOS programs.
Yes but the NT platform uses Autoexec.nt and Config.nt to start an MS-DOS environment and they should be in the Windows/System32 folder. The error message that Rorture is getting is related to an absence of the autoexec file or an error in that file.

I got that message for a while whenever I tried to run any DOS-based program in XP. Once I put that file in the right place it worked perfectly.

Rorture: If you try and run another DOS program in XP do you get the same message?

[mouse31e]

Did you copy autoexec.nt or autoexec.nt_? They are different so you should have copied autoexec.nt NOT the one with the _!

[Rorture]

My Bad, I copied the wrong autoexc file, I did another one, the one from windows repair and it worked. I'm an idiot. Thanks Mouse321 for your help :ok:

[mouse31e]

No problem.

Glad it worked. Enjoy the game!!!

[Guest]

I have the game, it rocks... I lost the booklet that had the key codes that allowed you to play it... Do any of you know where to look to get another copy of that booklet?

[adnan]

:help:
hi guys, I read about your problems with XP and tried to fix my BC4000 that way but already had the autoexec.nt in the system32 folder.

The error I get when trying to run it says: No expanded memory manager found.

Suggestions anyone?
Would really glad cos I've been in love with this game in times of DOS :)

[mouse31e]

Hi

I've tried everything I can think of and I can't find what the problem is.

This is an incredibly long shot but you might want to give it a try

find config.nt in your system32 folder.

open it for editing in whatever program you want (I normally use notepad)

at the very bottom of the file type the line:

EMM= [A=8] [B=0x4000]

This should configure your Expanded Memory Manager but I can't promise it will help! :D

Hope this helps you out! :D

I'm not totally certain about the syntax of that line - I've never had to use it before. If anyone knows can they say! :help:

[Adnan]

Thanks for the sudden response, mouse! :ok:
Still won't work though. :cry:
Still gives me the same error.
Maybe the syntax really is wrong.
Got anoter idea?

:help:

[Adnan]

Mouse: Maybe you forgot something.
My config.nt says the default syntax would be :

EMM = [A=AltRegSets] [B=BaseSegment] [RAM]

Does that help you or did you know before?

[mouse31e]

That was what I based it on!

8 should be the default value for A and 0x4000 the default value for B. You shouldn't need RAM at all!

I've got no other ideas I'm afraid - that was a long shot but it was the only reference to an Expanded Memory Manager I could find in my computer.

I'm really sorry I couldn't help. Maybe someone else will know. Good luck with it, I hope you manage to get it sorted!

[maf]

Hi, how do I enlarge the play area of Battle Chess in Windows XP? It's about 322x249 at the moment. Thanks :D

EDIT: Ah, the maximize button doubles the display - better than nothing :P

[xoopx]

haha i remember this from back in the days. but i hate chess. i dont need my losing pieces rubbed in my face either.

whoever made this game should sue that harry potter author for ripping off their idea.
then a bunch of other people should sue her for ripping their stuff of as well.

[Kestral]

This game is very awe3some =D

[Elan]

Mouse u are my god! i would have never thought of thigs you say. i was bored for many hours trying to figure out how to get my beloved sim tower to work! and u did it for me. Thanks again.
Elan.

[Elan]

:blink: AAAh! mouse i need your help, my Sim Tower was working fine yesterday, but then when i woke up today i got the same error: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\AUTOEXEC.NT. They system file is not suitable for runninh MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows applications.
im using windows xp. i did what u said with moving the autoexec.nt from my repair folder to my system32 folder and it was working fine yesterday. but it seems the file autoexec.nt has bin deleted. i tried to run a search for it and nothing came up. u got any idea what i can do or how i can get another copy of that file? :tomato:
HEEEELP :help:
THANKS,
Elan

[mouse31e]

Ok.

Maybe I should have been clearer but you probably should have copied rather than moved.

First, download this file here (http://www.freegamesweb.co.uk/autoexec.nt). You will need to right click on the link and "save target as". Hopefully this will work. It seems to be a fairly standard file.

Then, if you have anti-virus or spyware blocking software run them both to check there is nothing affecting your computer. I think malware (adware/spyware) is the most likely thing to have deleted the file.

Third, Make sure you have a backup of the file.

Fourth, post here so I can take the file off the server!

[Elan]

Cool! Thanks again Mouse. I made plenty of copys of the file so i should be fine if it ever deletes again. My sim tower is working great.
Thanks
Elan :Brain:

[Sn0w]

this is like the bad version of battle chess was there not another battle chess where the graphics are alot better???? its also for dos and its abandoned I bet you anything

[Kerebear]

I used to love this game when I was a kid...of course I didn't know how to play chess, but it didn't matter at the time. I still don't but I'm going to download it and learn to play.

[Homestar Runner]

(BUFFY @ Nov 17 2004, 10:32 PM)
Nope, definitely requires Windows. Anyone know how to get into 'Standard Mode'?*


I don't know whether you can. You would need a program to emulate Windows 3.1 or alternatively install Windows 3.1 on your computer, but that might be a bit excessive for the sake of a few sounds. I don't know of any software that runs under windows that will emulate windows 3.1.

Sorry to get technical but Standard mode was the way Windows 3.1 set up the memory for 80286 systems. Enhanced mode was for 80386 systems but at the time most people were using standard mode as it ran much quicker than enhanced mode - presumably why Interplay chose to leave the sound out of enhanced mode.

If anyone knows of easy-to-use software that will emulate Windows 3.1 Standard Mode that would be good cause we can all get the sound up and running but otherwise I'd just enjoy the fantastic animations and get by without the sound.



first off. to emulate win 3.1, you NEED a copy of it. then just download Microsoft Virtual Pc trial, or VMWARE, and you are set. just start up the machine, install windows, and tri BC.

i have not had a chance to install battle chess so i am not sure if this will work. i have installed windows 3.1 however and it works fine with my yamaha s/card and Nvdia Geforce Chip. :ok: :w00t:

[Torfkopp]

Originally posted by Kerebear@Feb 1 2005, 01:37 PM
I used to love this game when I was a kid...of course I didn't know how to play chess, but it didn't matter at the time.* I still don't but I'm going to download it and learn to play.
There's a "Battle Chess 2" on AMIGA I don't know a BC2 for PC ... I didn't even know a BC1 for PC ^^° If you'll get an AMIGA-Emulator and the BC2-ADF then you could play it ... got both, but I can't send you, cause it's forbidden LOL

[TheChosen]

I loved this game on Amiga. I didnt care about the chess that time. I just wanted to see the animation.

[BeefontheBone]

Originally posted by xoopx@Dec 30 2004, 08:27 AM
haha i remember this from back in the days. but i hate chess. i dont need my losing pieces rubbed in my face either.

whoever made this game should sue that harry potter author for ripping off their idea.
then a bunch of other people should sue her for ripping their stuff of as well.
and Lewis Carroll, too! that chess stuff is totally ripped from Through The Looking Glass, and is highly reminiscent of battlechess, yeah.

Hee, one of the few competitions I've won was for playing lightning chess at the Richmondshire Chess Festival. It's still in my parents' lounge :D

[Guest_God]

Yes, there is a battle chess 2! But it isn't much different from 1. The graphix are somewhat better, but the moves are still the same. I'll see if i find the cd back.

[Chris]

there even was a third part in the series. battle chess 4000, a space themed game with better gfx than in part 1 and 2. but i couldn't find it anywhere.

[Xikarita]

I used to play the game a couple years ago, but as I recall, it was full of bugs. It never let me win, because when I was about to ''kill'' the king, it acted really weird and turned into a completely different piece. Sometimes the game would freeze.

[Rahgwood]

Originally posted by Sn0w@Feb 1 2005, 12:58 PM
this is like the bad version of battle chess was there not another battle chess where the graphics are alot better???? its also for dos and its abandoned I bet you anything


The version of the game with better graphics was released a few years later and was only for mac. As far as I can tell; I used to play the same version.

[amy_su88]

And you just have to love how the opposing Queen mysteriously gets two moves in a row......I know how to play chess and I still can't figure out why they would program such a dirty move >.> Hmmm...

The animations are quite fun though. I love it when two knights go up against each other. It is sooo Monty Python.

[TheGiantMidgit]

Woa, I remember this. It was, and am I'm sure still is, hilarious.

[hessekopp]

BATTLE CHESS is one of the best and funnyiest board games ever. for sure the graphiks arent so good as these on the amiga battle chess, but the game is still the same, and chess, dont really need graphiks. so long, do your first move!

:Titan:

[DCLeadboot]

Battle Chess is certainly the funniest rendition of chess I have ever seen.
It gives me great satisfaction to see the CPUs queen eaten whole by my Rook-troll.

However, why do computer AIs always fight dirty? I mean, they won't let me take their queen easily even on novice! (What's level 9 like? :blink: )

I used to play battles with my Kasporov computer chess set.
In my games, each piece had his all had their own attacks:
Pawns - short sharp kick that sent the receiver flying.
Bishop - charge and impale them on his miter.
Knights - headbutt them with his horse-head.
Rooks - blast them with his tower's bombard cannon.
Queen - grab them, jump and slam them on the ground head-first.
King - for an old guy, quite a good throw.

Maybe this battle chess would inspire me to think up even more variety...

[Metal2]

furst game i ever played on pc. it was either this, or make cheesy banners with my name on them, with borders and that crap. this game actually made me want to get a better system!

[Bedowyn]

Well, color me confused, but I am not sure how to go about playing this game...

If it is still protected (and not abandoned) where does one acquire a legal copy of this game. Is it available from some vendor?

NOT trying to do something illegal, but am very interested in playing this...

THANKS

[ITALIANDUDE]

Originally posted by Tom Henrik@Nov 16 2004, 09:27 PM
Feel free to comment and discuss this game here. Also, if you have any useful tips or tricks don't hesitate to share them with the others! Thanks!

Review (http://www.abandonia.com/game.php?ID=308)
I loved the animation of the tower!!!!! :ok:


mike

[troop18546]

The game is excellent. :ok:

[Kasseren]

About the one with better graphics I think it might have been the Enhanged version, seeing a Screenshot from it I'm impressed and understand why the original seems worse! :Tom:
EDIT: Unfortunately that site does offer some things that it shouldn't, that's why the link was removed.

[Scarface]

The graphics of the enhanced version are really beautiful and well done, but the gameplay remains the same.

[tehuber1337]

you can find demos of battle chess here (http://www.chesscentral.com/chess_download/battle_chess.htm)

[steveorca]

The graphic is too crude for XP. can I have the permit to retouch the graphic so it looks smoother.

Perhaps one day we all can play this over the net and have the ultimate fun on earth.

Steve

[guesst]

What is the deal? The oldwares list says this game is Abandonware, but the site says its ESA protected. And Battle Chess II is sold? What sort of garbage is this? So some company in the boonies has 15 copies of this lying around (or is making copies more like it) and we're not allowed to put it up on the site? Do people actually selling games that wont run without emulation software?

Sorry, but either I'm irritable or this is ridiculous. I mean, rules are rules I know, but can we get this checked?

Also, did anyone ever play Star Wars Battle Chess?

[Herman]

guys helpme out. ihave a BC4000. but i cant run it on wondows xp.. eror say no expanded memory manager

[The Fifth Horseman]

The answer is simple. You need to install DosBox and run the game using it - not straight in Windows.
If you cared to notice, there is a line in the info tag above the review that lists the compatibility of the game with operating systems... check it next time.

[guesst]

Originally posted by Herman@May 8 2006, 01:53 PM
guys helpme out. ihave a BC4000. but i cant run it on wondows xp.. eror say no expanded memory manager
Dang it, 5thHM answered while I was looking up information. I will point you to the links in my post as proof of it's superiority. :smug:

Seeing as you are an unregistered user my guess is you aren't using DOSBox (http://dosbox.sourceforge.net). DOSBox is the only way to get 90% of old DOS games to run properly in XP. So it's a good idea to have around.

The DOSBox website has info on getting BC4000 to run here (http://dosbox.sourceforge.net/comp_list.php?showID=1696&letter=B).

Oh, and 5thHM, I think you failed to notice he was asking about another similar but different game. BC4000 != BCVanilla.

[The Fifth Horseman]

He actually said he's trying to run it in XP:
(...) but i cant run it on wondows xp.. eror say no expanded memory manager

[Goodguy3]

i used to own this, but i guess it was a different version. i remember a tutorial where each piece gave a speech describing how they move and how they can attack. :titan: 'twas hilarious! especially the queen's rant about getting another queen with the "pawn to the other side of the board" trick.

[Raasted]

The graphics of the enhanced version are really beautiful and well done, but the gameplay remains the same.

[/b]

I would be very suprised if the gameplay of chess suddenly changed :max:

/Raasted

[Pit-Spawn]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Xikarita @ Mar 12 2005, 05:46 PM) 78613</div>
I used to play the game a couple years ago, but as I recall, it was full of bugs. It never let me win, because when I was about to ''kill'' the king, it acted really weird and turned into a completely different piece. Sometimes the game would freeze.
[/b]

Yepp, this version still doesn't let you win...


<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(amy_su88 @ Apr 15 2005, 03:04 AM) 95326</div>
And you just have to love how the opposing Queen mysteriously gets two moves in a row......I know how to play chess and I still can't figure out why they would program such a dirty move >.> Hmmm...
[/b]

He only does two moves, ich you are checkmate...
The first move is the one that sets you checkmate, the second one is the move that kills your king ;)

[Roadkill]

This is the windows version, funnily enough it says it wont give me sound effect when I start it. also its not full screen even when maximized.

I've got the origonal DOS version somewhere... u guys want it?

[hawksacul81]

I have a manual for the Amiga version of Battle Chess... I can scan it for the site. It's a little worn but should be readable.

I'll have to use my brothers scanner since I don't have one, so it'll take awhile. Let me know if you want it scanned or not.

[verdict]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(AmigaFanboy @ Aug 30 2006, 11:28 PM) 251978</div>
I have a manual for the Amiga version of Battle Chess... I can scan it for the site. It's a little worn but should be readable.

I'll have to use my brothers scanner since I don't have one, so it'll take awhile. Let me know if you want it scanned or not.
[/b]


check this out: http://www.thehouseofgames.net/index.php?t=10&id=73

there's a manual there as well, apparently for the NES version of the game.

[Howard Friedman]

I love Battle Chess! I've been playing it ever since it was a baby way back on DOS. I've played through every version of Windows up to and through 98SE, but IT WONT WORK UNDER VISTA! And now the new Windows version that WILL play on Vista is just as small as the print in this message. Cam't you open it up to full screen? I'd gladly pay for that![size=7]

[Japo]

Thank God you didn't manage to post with huge letters, just don't do it.

http://www.abandonia.com/forum/index.php?s...c=14638&hl= (http://www.abandonia.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=14638&hl=)

[guesst]

I recently loaded up this game again, actually I wanted to find the DOS version but aparently the only one I have is for windows, and it doesn't have the digitized sound. What a rip! in XP it thinks it has to play in enhanced mode which apparently can't be turned off with any option I found, so it's a window aproximately 1/6 the size of my screen and silent.

Man, I need the dos version of this game.

[Guest]

The program doesn't allow you to offer draws, and doesn't recognise the threefold repetition rule. That could annoy a real chess player.

[Rett]

Does anyone else remember the computer ALWAYS CHEATING. I could could never beat the computer because eventually when I had a good position, the computer would get fed up and move its queen not once, not twice, but thrice, sometimes in L-shaped formations like a knight, and THROUGH MY PIECES, and then KILL MY KING. She would hug him and then STAB HIM.

I always searched for a way to turn the cheating off but I never could.

[Sebatianos]

It's a matter of interpretation. I always saw it as computer surrendering, because from what I recall it only happened if the situation became hopeless for the computer.

But I think that wasn't the PC battle chess.

[Guest]

I dont know what´s wrong. when i click on the "horse" chess.exe, xp returns "xp cant find this program"???

what happenn?

[The Fifth Horseman]

Right-click -> properties -> compatibility -> Windows 95 (in the drop-down box)

[Guest]

You can download microsoft virtual pc and install windows 3.1, windows98, winxp, or even vista on it. Virtual Pc is a free program available from the microsoft website.

[Eagle of Fire]

I played this game plenty of time and I never seen it cheat in a way described by the guess above...

I am really wondering where he got the idea too... :unsure:

[Sir Frizz]

Oh man, blast from the past! I actually learnt how to play this game as a child aged 5 or 6 or so by using the moves suggestion and introduced me to which pieces could move to where. Of course, I was far too young to understand the strategies involved, but being so young, the animations intrigued me. :)

Never thought I'd find it again, happy that I did, though!

[The Coop]

The DOS version is NOT abandoned :ok:

A few years between responses? Why not!

Anyway, I believe that a version of the DOS game is freeware. A while back, I was looking around and found a site that had a version of BC listed as freeware. So, I downloaded it, and was surprised to see what's most likely the original DOS version (simpler colors, and PC speaker sound), with a note supposedly from Interplay announcing that this particular version was being given out as freeware due to the success of the original game, and how well the sequel was doing. Here's the version I'm talking about...

http://www.geocities.com/arforfaborb/chess_000.png http://www.geocities.com/arforfaborb/chess_001.png


... and here's the text from the read me included...

BATTLE CHESS
by
Interplay


With the advent of BATTLE CHESS II(tm) last year, we launched
what is perhaps the most intriguing style of chess play
since this, the original BATTLE CHESS swept the computer
gaming world in 1988.

As our way of saying thanks, we are setting BATTLE CHESS loose
upon the world as FREEware! Yes, that's right - FREEWARE.

Because BATTLE CHESS was such a success, it appears that its
successor, BATTLE CHESS II(tm) is following rapidly in its
footsteps. To celebrate that fact, you now have in your
possession one of the most sought after experiences in software;
a truly remarkable computer chess game that will challenge as well
as entertain and ASTOUND you!

This freeware version is unprotected, unlike the commercial
version. After installing the files in an appropriate directory,
just type CHESS at the DOS-prompt. When the introduction screen
appears, press any key and you will be presented with three
dialog boxes in sequence expecting some arcane chess knowledge.
Since it would be unfair for us to believe that a normal person
would actually have this trivia in their brain-boxes, we made
matters simple; just press return at each prompt.
It is highly recommended that you play using your mouse since
it is much easier (not to mention faster) to select your moves
by pointing and clicking. All game options can be selected from
the menu-bar across the top of the screen. Also, unless you
elect to play exclusively in the 2-dimensional mode it is further
suggested that the game be installed upon your hard drive. The
extensive use of animation in 3-d mode necessitates frequent disk
access. Accessing that from a floppy drive impedes enjoyment of
the game as well as being just plain slow and silly.

Feel free to distribute this software to any BBS you like. All
we ask in return is that you do not alter or remove this text
file (what you are now reading) in the process.


And now for something completely different.

A COMMERCIAL PLUG


After you are familiar with the extraordinary game you now have,
you may be interested in other INTERPLAY PRODUCTIONS software.
Please read on.








INTERPLAY PRODUCTIONS
PRESENTS


If Elvira can own a castle, why can't you? After all,
computer gaming is a world built of dreams and fantasies.
INTERPLAY's recently released CASTLES(tm) enables you to build
the castle of your dreams. In addition to playing surveyor,
architect, and builder, you get to parry paranoia and persecute
the peasants (great for relieving boredom).
CASTLES' action takes place 700 years ago, predating pesky
present-day concerns like planning boards and building inspectors.
Indeed, if your neighbors objected to your castle, they leveled
it, scattered the workers, ripped you to pieces, and ate your
horses. When they got really angry, they did even meaner things
like making you bathe between rainstorms. Several historians
claim these murderous rampages had nothing to do with power,
gluttony, and greed but were incited by INTERPLAY PRODUCTIONS
release of BATTLE CHESS II(tm). We however, are of the opinion
that it really had something to do with our provocative and
competitive NFL PRO LEAGUE FOOTBALL game.
Castle building politics aside, if you are a serious gamer
looking for the best in computer games, INTERPLAY has what you
want. Just write or call us for information about our latest
offerings of superior game software at the address and telephone
number below.


INTERPLAY PRODUCTIONS
3710 S. Susan
Santa Ana, CA 92704
(714) 545-9001


INTERPLAY PRODUCTIONS Copyright 1988,1989,1990,1991,1992.*
*All games, except NFL PRO LEAGUE FOOTBALL are registered trademarks
of INTERPLAY PRODUCTIONS.



Also, I believe the Windows version is still being sold, as a few years back, CompUSA had a Battle Chess twin pack for sale that included the original BC, and Battle Chess II: Chinese Chess together. You might have to look into this.



Anyway, would you like me to post a link to the version of BC I pictured above?

[Geezer]

Anyway, would you like me to post a link to the version of BC I pictured above?

Yes. All I could locate was a demo version that was not playable. I had the enhanced CD version but have misplaced it. Would love to have the standard Battle Chess again. I have Battle Chess 4000 which is abandonware. I could review and upload that one if there are interested chess players.

[The Coop]

http://www.download-game.com/Battle_Chess.htm

There's the link I got it from. And should that site not be on the up and up (aka a mod zaps that link)...

http://www.geocities.com/arforfaborb/BTLCHESS.ZIP

... there it is from my site.

[CrowDriver]

A couple of things...

Battle Chess II was dueling 'chinese chess' an ancient traditional oriental variation, there are protecting pawns in front of only half the major backrow pieces. All caution to the wind, bombs away at the major pieces from the start, such as cannon takes knight on move 1!
Less than 1% Xiangqi games are draws in master tournament play. Runs fine in DosBox 0.72.

For easy to win chess, try BFTC (here at abandonia). It also has all the lessons (interactive) from the famous book, no memorization of openings, 'cause that's how Bobby learned to play. Can be set to hard levels, but lower ones are the easiest to beat computer chess anywhere.

CrowDriver!

[Borodin]

Just a bit of an historical sidenote: I was set to review this title for a US magazine, and was told that Brian Fargo (the Interplay CEO) wanted to speak with me about it. He got on the phone and began raving about how it had a much larger database of chess games to draw from which automatically made it the best chess game, not merely for the PC, but in the world. :amused: I interrupted, and said that a chess game was far more than just its database. The AI had to know how to interpret that database and use its information, and that this was the truly difficult part. At that, his pair of PR handlers online gasped audibly, and quickly terminated the conversation.

Was a truly fun game, but even then, it wasn't the best PC-based chess sim around.

[legend789]

first off. to emulate win 3.1, you NEED a copy of it. then just download Microsoft Virtual Pc trial, or VMWARE, and you are set. just start up the machine, install windows, and tri BC.

i have not had a chance to install battle chess so i am not sure if this will work. i have installed windows 3.1 however and it works fine with my yamaha s/card and Nvdia Geforce Chip. :ok: :w00t:Actually, I'm theorizing that you don't even need to emulate Windows 3.1.

It's possible, I believe, that you can "trick" the game into playing with sounds, via the battle.ini-file by adding a line that turns sound on.

Of course, to test this idea, I'd have to have an INI file that works, so if anyone has one, I could isolate the line and we could post it up in this forum.

Best thing would be to have the DOS version, I'ver always thought that DOS version > Windows version for most of the older games, until around after the mid Win95 era and when games could run Full Screen in Windows.

I recently loaded up this game again, actually I wanted to find the DOS version but aparently the only one I have is for windows, and it doesn't have the digitized sound. What a rip! in XP it thinks it has to play in enhanced mode which apparently can't be turned off with any option I found, so it's a window aproximately 1/6 the size of my screen and silent.

Man, I need the dos version of this game.A couple of things could be done here:
1. Edit the Shortcut, go to the Shortcut tab, in the third section down (the one with "Start in"), it says "Run:" set that from "Normal Window" to "Maximized".
2. Set the Compatibility > Display settings to Run in 640 x 480 screen resolution.
3. Change the computer's screen resolution to 640 x 480.
4. Make a batch-file that pauses. Set that batch file's Display settings to Run in 640 x 480 screen resolution, and run that file when you need to.

I use a combination of #1 (it covers about 0.64x of the screen), #2 (but it doesn't work, so I also had to use) #4. My computer's resolution doesn't allow me to go that low for #3.

Try different things.

I dont know what´s wrong. when i click on the "horse" chess.exe, xp returns "xp cant find this program"???

what happenn?It's a random problem where XP forgets where everything is. Waiting around works sometimes, and resetting works most of the time, but sometimes you'll have to wait even longer.

A few years between responses? Why not!

Anyway, I believe that a version of the DOS game is freeware. A while back, I was looking around and found a site that had a version of BC listed as freeware. So, I downloaded it, and was surprised to see what's most likely the original DOS version (simpler colors, and PC speaker sound), with a note supposedly from Interplay announcing that this particular version was being given out as freeware due to the success of the original game, and how well the sequel was doing. Here's the version I'm talking about...

http://www.geocities.com/arforfaborb/chess_000.png http://www.geocities.com/arforfaborb/chess_001.png


... and here's the text from the read me included...





Also, I believe the Windows version is still being sold, as a few years back, CompUSA had a Battle Chess twin pack for sale that included the original BC, and Battle Chess II: Chinese Chess together. You might have to look into this.



Anyway, would you like me to post a link to the version of BC I pictured above?It looks totally legit.

The CompUSA thing doesn't necessarily mean that it isn't abandonware. I've seen games that were abandonware or even intended to be freeware sold in bundles before. It's because the bundle isn't abandonware but the game (in this case Battle Chess for Windows) is.

Just a bit of an historical sidenote: I was set to review this title for a US magazine, and was told that Brian Fargo (the Interplay CEO) wanted to speak with me about it. He got on the phone and began raving about how it had a much larger database of chess games to draw from which automatically made it the best chess game, not merely for the PC, but in the world. :amused: I interrupted, and said that a chess game was far more than just its database. The AI had to know how to interpret that database and use its information, and that this was the truly difficult part. At that, his pair of PR handlers online gasped audibly, and quickly terminated the conversation.

Was a truly fun game, but even then, it wasn't the best PC-based chess sim around.Ah, lucky. Working for a magazine is a good job, and it's really interesting too.

[The Fifth Horseman]

I've seen games that were abandonware or even intended to be freeware sold in bundles before. It's because the bundle isn't abandonware but the game (in this case Battle Chess for Windows) is.
Not in our definition. As long as a bundle is sold, the game counts as being sold rather than abandoned, unless it has been officially made freeware.

[carlosalonso]

I tried to install the game after unziping and it doesn't work.
Any tips?

[The Fifth Horseman]

Define "doesn't work". What exactly happens when you try to run the game? Post any error messages in their exact text or take screenshots of them and post these here.

[max58]

man, i don't get this:
i am googleing "battlechess" to see, if there are any news about an iphone version...
did anybody heard of something like this?

[EDITED]

[The Coop]

man, i don't get this:
i am googleing "battlechess" to see, if there are any news about an iphone version...
did anybody heard of something like this?

[EDITED]

http://www.pocketgamer.co.uk/r/Mobile/Battle+Chess/review.asp?c=4120

That's the closest thing I could find.

[gumpy]

Great fun! Though I need to brush up on my chess playing skills so I can beat the computer... I lose even at the lowest skill level.

[Saccade]

Nice one!
It's about time this game got re-unprotected.

I'm looking forward to when the guys behind Life and Death and Starwars Chess, the Software Toolworks, get their 'serious' contribution to the world of mind vs machine - Fidelity Chessmaster 2100 - up on here.

[justkc]

Battle chess... I thought this game was awesome back in the day, when I was a pre-teen. These days, I can see the chess engine is pretty limited. I wouldn't recommend it as a learning tool.