Advertised with the Xbox Live Vision camera when it released in September of 2006, Spyglass Board Games finally ends up on the Xbox Live Arcade on August 8, 2007. Whatever the reason for this rather drastic time span, the wait was worthwhile. This is a steal at the $5 price point, with fun relaxing titles, sharp graphics, and fun camera support.
This title will fare better online. The single player experience is limited, going up against a smart computer AI that can certainly hold its own. It’s fine for a time waster or a few achievements. Beyond that, the only purpose you’ll find for it is to get familiar with the interface before heading online for some true competition.
It may be difficult to place Checkers into the realm of hardcore gaming, yet it produces some intense results. Chess is self-explanatory and sells itself. Mancala is an odd and likely unfamiliar title to many involving the shuffling of small pieces across a number of sections to land them on your base. Reversi is the final inclusion, won by flipping pieces over each other to control a checkered board.
The interface is for the most part fine. All the game boards can be rotated with the right analog stick, though only Chess benefits as the pieces can block your view. Green dots indicate where moves can be made in everything except Mancala (which can’t offer the assist simply because of its nature).
Pressing Y at any time brings up the Vision camera menu (if you have one available, of course). Sadly, all changes force you to leave the game board instead of allowing for a quick change while playing with one of the many unused buttons. It doesn’t lose your spot, but it is an annoyance for the other player as they await your changes when it’s your turn. Added camera choices include foreground objects to make it look like you’re in a jungle setting (amongst others) and various fun house mirror effects.
Game swapping is wonderful, and easily Spyglass’s best feature. If you need a break from a tough Chess match, pressing X will change the game choice immediately. At any time, you can return to Chess with your game still in progress. A fun variant to try online is to let each player make their move in one game, swap, and repeat.
Article comments
1 - okey
I think game developers should focus on board games more!