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

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.

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)

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...

[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]

Originally Posted by Tom Henrik

The DOS version is NOT abandoned k:

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...




... 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]

Originally Posted by The Coop

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.