Subject: Under the Lynx Microscope #8 Newsgroups: rec.games.video.atari,alt.games.lynx Summary: Keywords: <<<< Under the Lynx Microscope >>>> Edition #8, Date 07/31/98 By: Carl Forhan (forhan@millcomm.com) //////////////////////////////////////////////////////// // // // FEATURED GAMES: Shanghai // // // //////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ULM is a periodic feature that will be posted to alt.games.lynx and rec.games.video.atari. The purpose is to generate some interest and discussion around the Atari Lynx portable video game system, especially for game titles that have been "under-exposed" on the internet. Contact forhan@millcomm.com for information on contributing to ULM. ____________________________ / \ | Shanghai | \____________________________/ It's no wonder that Shanghai is consistently ranked among the best games available for the Lynx. Activision (under the name Mediagenic) took a completely simplistic and timeless game of removing matching pairs of tiles, and delivered a first-rate adaptation for Lynx fans. [NOTE: Atari actually programmed this title in-house, under license from Mediagenic. Sorry for the oversight. - Carl] One common problem with handheld systems is, naturally, the small size of the screen. For Shanghai, it's vital that the tiles be clearly identifiable for the sake of finding matching pairs. Not only are the colors and numbers easily recognized on those tiny tiles, there's a "zoomed in" view of the current tile in the corner of the screen. The player object (an arrow) is likewise easy to distinguish and move about the screen. Sounds and music are a true pleasure in this game. Very few other Lynx games boast the ability for the player to select one of four tunes (or silence) during the game! Each tune features several voices, reflects a unique style, and is long enough to not wear on the player's nerves after the first 30 seconds. You say you want options? Shanghai supports seven different tile configurations, in-game help and even built-in instructions on how to play. Even the tile graphics are selectable. And a truly special treat is the comlynxed play modes. Now, Shanghai is a wonderful game that will keep you busy for many hours of play even by yourself. But the two-player modes (Alternating Competitive, Simultaneous Competitive, or Cooperative) really shine in this game. In the Alternating Competitive mode, each player only has 10 seconds to find a match. After that, control switches to the other player. This makes the game really nerve-wracking but exciting! Whoever removes the most pairs by the end of the game wins. Likewise, in the Simultaneous Competitive mode, you want to make as many matches as possible, but this time you don't have to take turns. You can even steal an opponent's tile by selecting a matching tile! The Cooperative mode is also present for players who want just a laid back multiplayer game. Strategy Tips: 1) Don't take the easy, outer perimeter matches first. Try to find matches that will reveal underlying tiles or else you'll find yourself stranded later in the game. 2) Some of the configurations are easier, because the tiles are spread out across the playfield more than they are stacked up. The Spider is a good puzzle for newcomers to the game. 3) If you think you have nothing left to learn on Shanghai since you have no one to comlynx with, how fast can you beat the Dragon? :-) ------------------------------ ________________________ / / | Carl Forhan <>< | For Atari, Breeders, HeroQuest, and more: | forhan@millcomm.com | http://www.millcomm.com/~forhan/games.html \_______________________\