Checkmate

Up to four players compete in Checkmate, a maze game released in 1977 by Dave Nutting Associates/Midway. Each player controls a block that leaves a visible trail as it moves through the playfield. The core gameplay revolves around strategic maneuvering; players must guide their blocks to force opponents into either the boundaries of the maze or their own trails, effectively eliminating them from the round. Using an eight-way joystick for movement, players navigate the simple monochrome environment and attempt to outwit their rivals. A central objective is to anticipate opponent movements and create pathways that lead to their downfall. The game’s straightforward design highlights player interaction and tactical thinking as keys to victory. Checkmate utilizes a horizontal screen resolution of 256x224 pixels, powered by an Intel 8080 processor and discrete circuitry for sound. A port of the game later appeared on the Bally Astrocade console in 1978.