3-D Tic-Tac-Toe for Atari

Tic-tac-toe is one of the oldest games ever played.  Although No one knows exactly how old this game actually is, scientists have found fossilized tic-tac-toe remains in the Temples of Rome dating back to as early as 16 B.C.. This early civilization board game past time is known as a trail game,  which means that the player must get their pieces or in this case X’s and O’s in a straight line in order to win.  The American words Tic-Tac-Toe is said have to originated from the Holland words called tic-tac-tol.  Tic-Tac-Toe has a few aliases of its own.  Some people refer to it as hugs and kisses, noughts and crosses, with countless others name under its belt, you can rest assure that everyone has picked up a piece of paper and played this game.

3D Tic-Tac-Toe for Atari 2600 has put a new spin on an old favorite.  The normal game Tic-tac-toe, also called noughts and crosses or hugs and kisses. Even though it has many other names, this paper and pencil two-player game must be battled out using an X and O.  Each player must take turns placing his or her mark on a three by three grid. The winner is the person who manages to get three pieces or marks in row.  This row can be Vertical, diagonal, or horizontal.  However, with 3D Tic-Tac-Toe for Atari this game has changed quite a bit from what you may remember.  Atari has introduced a new grid into the mix; instead of being three by three it is now four by four which makes winning a lot easier said than done.

The rules have not change you still win by getting three in a row in a row four is possible but not required.  This version of tic-tac-toe will keep you entertained for hours, with the Atari’s quick response times a creative game play and the ability to play multiple game boards at the same time, the challenge factor will always be there.  Although the board is set up four by four-game play, getting three in a row is seemingly impossible. Especially when playing against the Atari 2600 itself.  However, this can be accomplished easily with a very watchful eye.  Although just a machine the Atari’s programming in this game is outstanding, trust and believe that this is defiantly a thinking person’s games. 

There are thousands of ways to win and we all know the obvious one such as get three in a row, but do not be fooled in order for that to happen you must dodge all the bullets that this game will throw at you.  First, do not fall for the dreaded “L”.  The L is when the game has gotten two in a row with one to the side to form the shape of an “L”.  Even though it is very hard to stop, you can keep the computer at bay by not letting this maneuver happen.  Against the computer, this is easier said and getting it done is seemingly out of the question.  Also try not to concentrate too hard on setting up traps for the game, because in doing so you will miss out the trap that has been setup for you.  Do not get suckered into moves that leave you on the defense or in other words constantly trying to find a way to block the movement of the Atari.  Seeing as how the 3D tic-tac-toe for Atari has four levels of four by four boards to play at the same time, so try not to get distracted, you will have an easier time winning if you can keep the computer on one level at a time. Trying to confuse the computer will intern only cause you to confuse yourself in this game of strategy.

If you are fortunate, enough to still have this game and an Atari 2600, go ahead, blow the dust off it, and see if any of these tips and tricks help you to put this very witty and vintage game back in its place.  Even though the old school graphics leave much more to be desired, and so does the sound quality in comparison to the play station and Xbox, try not to let that stop you from having the time of your life with friends, family, or even the computer itself. Therefore, if you are looking for a great brainteaser from one of the pioneer in the home entertainment industry then get this game and start putting your mind to the test