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ESC!Webs Featured Site Week of December 17, 2000 Othello Web Site: http://www.mattelothello.com Week three of "Toys on the Web" brings us to the Official Othello web site and I have to say it is a very well done one at that! I'm breaking a little from the previous two weeks in that I'm reviewing an official site. I was trying to stick with unofficial sites - fan sites if you will - but I just couldn't find one doing a worthy version of Othello. Since Othello is one of my all time favorite games I couldn't let the "Toys on the Web" weeks go by without checking it out. The Concept The Official Othello web site is a faithful reproduction of the physical game board. It's presented with a perspective view to give the impression that it's 3D. There are two "players" - The wolf is playing black and he is your partner in the game. The sheep is playing white and is controlled by the computer. There are three levels of play from beginner to advanced. As always, black moves first.
Because the game is written in Shockwave, there are all kinds of neat animations happening as you play. The expressions on the sheep's face as you make your moves are great. In addition, as you move your cursor around the board, valid moves will be highlighted to help you make your best attack. While You're There While visiting the Othello web site, be sure to click "Enter Site" at least once. There is lots of background information on the game, animated tips, information on local Othello foundations and tournaments and an email challenge where you can play a friend through email and the web combined -- a really cool feature! Which Is Better? Hmm, boy... I really like the online version. It is so well written that it doesn't make you feel you are playing an electronic version. Not having to turn over 20 pieces in a brilliant move is a bonus too. I'd have to say though that the board is a little small and it would be nice to be able to play against someone besides the computer. After all is said and done I still prefer the board game. Why? Well for starters I like the sound the pieces make as you flip them on the felt covered board. Sounds silly doesn't it? Not when you also get to see the expression on your opponent's face as you slowly begin to take over the playing area...
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