Computer Othello

So, Computer Othello on MSX 1 is exactly what it sounds like: a digital version of the classic Othello board game, also known as Reversi. It was released during the early home computer boom of the 1980s, likely around 1983-1985, though exact details are spotty. This was a period when MSX was a major platform in Japan and parts of Europe, and publishers were quick to port abstract strategy games from other systems. If you're picking this up today, it's a no-frills adaptation - no flashy title screens or extra modes, just the raw game.

You play against the computer (or a second human if the option exists) on the standard 8x8 board. The rules are pure Othello: you place a piece of your color (black or white) so that it traps one or more of the opponent's pieces in a straight line horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Those trapped pieces then flip to your color. The goal is to have the majority of pieces on the board when no more legal moves remain. The computer opponent is basic but functional, making this a decent way to learn the game or practice without needing a physical set.

Honestly, Computer Othello isn't a standout title - it's a straightforward, minimal implementation of a timeless board game. For a retro gaming enthusiast, it's worth a quick session if you like Othello or want to see how early computer strategy AI handled turn-based logic. It won't blow your mind, but it's a solid inclusion in the MSX library for what it is: a faithful, simple adaptation that gets the job done.