Matchboxes for Atari 8-bit computers | Review
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Published in 1983 by Brøderbund Software, Matchboxes combines the simplicity of a memory game with the excitement of a word puzzle, making it a unique experience among the titles of its time.
The program challenges two players, or one player against the computer, to test their concentration as they try to discover pairs of animated figures hidden in a 36-square grid.
The mechanics of Matchboxes are simple yet addictive: players must flip boxes to reveal shapes and then match them based on color, shape and melody. Making a correct match reveals part of a hidden word at the bottom of the screen. The goal is to guess the word before your opponent does. Additionally, the game offers several variations, including modes where the words are backwards or scrambled, adding an extra level of difficulty for those looking for a greater challenge.
One of the most charming aspects of Matchboxes is its use of classic tunes that many players will instantly recognize. From “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” to “Jingle Bells,” each animated figure has an associated song that adds an auditory element to the matching task. These tunes not only make the experience more entertaining, but also serve as additional clues to remember the figures’ positions.
Matchboxes isn’t limited to just one mode. Players can choose from four variations, each offering a unique twist on the basic dynamic. In some versions, the goal is just to match shapes without having to guess a word, while in others, the words can be backwards or scrambled. Additionally, three difficulty levels can be set when playing solo, making the experience accessible to beginners and experts alike.
Although the graphics in Matchboxes are simple, consisting of four-color animations, they manage to capture the essence of the game. The animated figures, which include a variety of characters and objects, are carefully designed to be easy to distinguish and memorize, which is crucial in this type of challenge.
Published in 1983, this title combines memory and word challenges.
At first glance, Matchboxes might seem like a game aimed at a child audience, with its simple graphics and catchy tunes. But in reality, it is a game that brings the family together around the computer, offering moments of laughter and friendly competition. We fondly remember those afternoons spent with our siblings and friends, patiently waiting for the game cassette to finish loading into our Atari 800XL computer. That familiar hum of the tape, followed by the flickering of the screen, announced that we were about to dive into a new round of Matchboxes.
What made Matchboxes special was how it managed to engage players of all ages. From the youngest children, who enjoyed the animations and melodies, to adults, who challenged each other on the most difficult levels, with backwards or scrambled words. It was a game that, no matter how many times you played it, always offered a new challenge.
Although time has passed and the graphics may seem dated by today's standards, the magic of Matchboxes lies in its ability to bring people together through play. It's a reminder of a time when video games were more than just individual entertainment; they were an excuse to get together, compete, and, above all, have fun as a family. For those of us who grew up with these types of games, Matchboxes remains a gem that transports us back to those special moments shared with our loved ones.
CURIOSITIES
There are three different sets of images on the disc version. A fourth set (including highlights from the first three and new graphics) is available for the cassette version.
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