Reversi
How to Play This Classic Strategy Game
Step up to the 8x8 grid and test your strategic mind with this classic board game. While you might know it by its common name, Reversi, the version for the Atari 2600 was officially titled Othello. Developed by Atari, Inc., this adaptation brings the tension of the original tabletop experience directly to your screen. It is a game of pure logic, positioning, and foresight, where every move can shift the balance of power.
The objective is simple but deeply challenging: you are playing against an opponent, either a friend or the computer, to control the majority of the squares on the board. The gameplay revolves around capturing your opponent's pieces. You do this by sandwiching their counters between two of your own. When you successfully trap a row or column of enemy pieces, they flip over to become yours. This mechanic creates a dynamic board where the score can change rapidly with every turn.
When you start a game, you have several ways to tailor the experience to your preference. You can choose to play in competitive two-player mode, taking turns with someone sitting next to you, or challenge the computer in single-player mode. If you are playing against the machine, the game offers four distinct skill levels. This allows you to start easy and work your way up as you learn the patterns, or jump straight into a difficult match if you are feeling confident.
One of the best features of this version is the ability to create custom board setups. If you want to practice specific scenarios or skip the early game entirely, you can set up the pieces exactly how you like them before starting. You also have the freedom to choose who goes first, letting you decide whether you want the advantage of the opening move or the flexibility of responding to your opponent's strategy.
Playing against the computer is particularly engaging because of the thoughtful design by programmers Ed Logg and Carol Shaw. Carol Shaw handled the visuals, giving the game a clean and clear look that makes it easy to track which pieces belong to whom. The computer opponent is designed to feel like a real challenge, forcing you to think several moves ahead. You will find yourself constantly evaluating whether to take immediate points or hold back to secure a stronger position later in the game.
The strategy here is all about balance. In the early stages of the match, it might seem smart to capture as many pieces as possible right away. However, experienced players know that taking too many pieces too quickly can sometimes limit your future moves and give your opponent better opportunities to flip your pieces back. The game teaches you to look at the board as a whole, considering how each placement affects the edges and corners, which are often the most valuable squares.
Whether you are playing a quick round against a friend or trying to beat the highest computer skill level, the game provides a satisfying mental workout. There is no randomness involved; the outcome depends entirely on your decisions. This makes every match feel personal and rewarding when you finally outsmart your opponent and secure the majority of the board.
It is worth noting that while this specific cartridge for the Atari 2600 carries the title Othello, the game mechanics are identical to the classic Reversi rules. Mattel later released a version on their Intellivision platform titled Reversi to avoid trademark conflicts with Parker Brothers, but the core gameplay remains the same across these systems. You can expect the same intense focus and strategic depth regardless of which system you play.
If you enjoy games that require patience and careful planning, this title is a must-try. It captures the essence of the board game perfectly, stripping away any distractions to focus purely on the logic of placement and capture. Grab a friend or challenge the machine, and see if you can master the art of flipping the odds in your favor. You can also try more Atari 2600 games from the same system.