Difference between revisions of "Yahtzee"

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'''''Yahtzee''''' is a video game version of the popular [[:Category:Strategy|strategy]] dice game of the same name, created by [[Milton Bradley]] for the TI-99/4 and TI-99/4A home computer systems. It was part of Milton Bradley's Gamevision series that was scheduled to release at the same time Texas Instruments released the TI-99/4. The Gamevision version of the game was released during the [[:Category:1979 Software|3rd quarter of 1979]] under part number MB 4967 and retailing for $24.95 (USD). Texas Instruments later re-released Yahtzee on its own during the [[:Category:1980 Software|2nd quarter of 1980]] with the part number PHM 3039, retailing at $29.95 (USD). Yahtzee was programmed by [[Elaine Henshon]], and was released on [[:Category:Solid State Software Command Module|Solid State Software<sup>TM</sup> Command Module]] cartridge.
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{{Infobox video game
 
{{Infobox video game
 
| collapsible =  
 
| collapsible =  
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| image = Yahtzee Manual Cover (New).jpg
 
| image = Yahtzee Manual Cover (New).jpg
 
| alt = Yahtzee Manual Cover
 
| alt = Yahtzee Manual Cover
| caption = Yahtzee Manual (Front Cover) <ref>{{cite web|title=TI99ers On-Line User Group: TI-99 Cartridge Listing|url=http://www.ti99ers.org/timeline/cartbytitle.html}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|title=TI-99/4A Video Game House: Yahtzee|url=https://www.videogamehouse.net/yahtzeegv.html}}</ref>
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| caption = Yahtzee Manual (Front Cover) <ref>{{cite web|title=TI99ers On-Line User Group: TI-99 Cartridge Listing|url=http://www.ti99ers.org/timeline/cartbytitle.html#Y}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|title=TI-99/4A Video Game House: Yahtzee|url=https://www.videogamehouse.net/yahtzeegv.html}}</ref>
 
| publisher = [[Milton Bradley|Milton Bradley]]
 
| publisher = [[Milton Bradley|Milton Bradley]]
 
| part = MB 4967 & PHM 3039
 
| part = MB 4967 & PHM 3039
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| format = [[:Category:Solid State Software Command Module|Solid State Software<sup>TM</sup> Command Module]]
 
| format = [[:Category:Solid State Software Command Module|Solid State Software<sup>TM</sup> Command Module]]
 
| released = [[:Category:1979 Software|1979 (3rd Quarter)]]
 
| released = [[:Category:1979 Software|1979 (3rd Quarter)]]
| genre = [[:Category:Strategy|Strategy]]
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| genre = [[:Category:Chance|Chance]], [[:Category:Strategy|Strategy]]
 
| price = $24.95 (USD)
 
| price = $24.95 (USD)
 
}}
 
}}
 
'''''Yahtzee''''' is a video game version of the popular [[:Category:Strategy|strategy]] dice game of the same name, created by [[Milton Bradley]] for the TI-99/4 and TI-99/4A home computer systems. It was part of Milton Bradley's Gamevision series that was scheduled to release at the same time Texas Instruments released the TI-99/4. The Gamevision version of the game was released during the [[:Category:1979 Software|3rd quarter of 1979]] under part number MB 4967 and retailing for $24.95 (USD). Texas Instruments later re-released Yahtzee on its own during the [[:Category:1980 Software|2nd quarter of 1980]] with the part number PHM 3039, retailing at $29.95 (USD). Yahtzee was programmed by [[Elaine Henshon]], and was released on [[:Category:Solid State Software Command Module|Solid State Software<sup>TM</sup> Command Module]] cartridge.
 
 
==Preparation==
 
Prior to the game, the player can select playing options from a menu. These will determine the speed of the player's and computer's cars and when the computer's cars will speed up.
 
 
There are three speeds, identified as ''slow'', ''fast'', and ''flyin'''. Both the player and the computer will move at the selected speed. The three speed-up options are titled ''late'', ''early'', and ''lookout''. The computer's cars will speed up after clearing 150, 120, and 90 dots, respectively.
 
 
The player has the ability to speed up at any time by pressing the joystick button, but it is sometimes advantageous to move slowly.
 
 
==Description of Game Screen==
 
[[File: 1981_-_Car_Wars_Manual.jpg|300px|thumb|thumb|frame|left|1981 (Original) Car Wars Manual Front Cover]] During the play of the game, the player is represented by a red car, and the computer, in the beginning, uses a yellow car. The player's car always moves counterclockwise around the board, and the computer's cars move clockwise.
 
 
There are five "lanes," each of which forms a circumference around the board. The outer lanes are larger than the inner ones. The lanes (from inner to outer) have 4, 20, 36, 52, and 68 dots respectively. Each lane is divided into four sectors, with breaks at the 12:00, 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00 points. It is at these locations where lane-changing is possible. The player has the ability to switch up to two lanes at each break, while the computer's cars can only switch one lane at a time.
 
 
In the center of the screen is a "pit," where spare cars are displayed. The game begins with two cars in the pit. When a level is cleared, a new car is added to the pit, and bonus points are scored. When a crash occurs, a car is removed from the pit. A maximum of four cars can occupy the pit at any given time. If a level is cleared with four cars in the pit, bonus points are scored, but no new cars are added.
 
  
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
When the game starts, the player's red car and the computer's yellow car face-off back-to-back at the bottom of the screen (6:00 position), and start off moving in the opposite direction.
+
Yahtzee for the TI-99 home computer system shares similarities with the regular dice-based game of Yahtzee with some unique differences. When the game begins, the option is presented to play either a one or two-player game. In one-player mode, the player plays against the computer. Two-player mode allows for two people to play against each other. A unique option that the TI-99 version offers at the beginning of either one or two-player modes is to play regular mode, where each player rolls their first roll as normal, or challenge mode, where each player starts off with the same 5 dice on the first roll. After each roll of the dice, the player selects which dice to keep, and rolls the remaining dice. Each player or the computer player takes up to three rolls of the dice and selects which space on the scorecard to place the points. At the end of each game, the player or computer player with the highest point total wins.
 
 
After one level is cleared, the starting position of the computer's yellow car moves to the left of the screen (9:00 position). When the second screen is cleared, the yellow car moves back to its original position, but the computer adds a new ''blue'' car, which starts at the left. After this level is cleared, the blue car shifts to the second-outermost lane.
 
 
 
On the fifth level, the computer adds a third car, which is ''green''. The three cars start at different positions, depending on the level. No new cars are added from this point on.
 
 
 
The object is to clear all 180 dots from the board, which will result in bonus points, a new car being added to the pit (unless full), and advancement to the next level. The maximum score is 99,990. Any scoring thereafter results in the scoreboard rolling over to 0, requiring the player to mentally keep track of the score.
 
 
 
The game ends when the player crashes into a computer car while no spare cars are in the pit.
 
  
 
==Advertising Blurbs==
 
==Advertising Blurbs==
 
===Front Cover of Manual===
 
===Front Cover of Manual===
It's your car against the computer's in this exciting race! Score points by out-maneuvering the computer's car as it tries to run you off the track!
+
Lets you play this popular game of chance while the computer rolls the dice and keeps score for you. You concentrate on strategy!
  
 
===Back Cover of Manual===
 
===Back Cover of Manual===
 +
You roll a two, a three, a four, and two fives. Do you try for your fives or go for a large straight? With the Yahtzee Command Module, the computer randomizes each roll fo the dice, and you indicate which dice, if any, you want to keep. After a maximum of three rolls, you enter your points on the scoreboard.
  
Enjoy the excitement of high-speed racing, combined with the challenge of out-maneuvering a canny opponent, as you pit your speed and skill against the computer in this challenging, fast-paced game.
+
'''Yahtzee''' module features let you
 
+
* Play against a friend or the computer.
With the Car Wars module, you try to:
+
* Choose either regular or Challenge Yahtzee.
 
+
* Determine game strategy, while the computer rolls the dice and keeps score for you.
* Score points by clearing as many dots as possible from the lanes. Avoid the computer's yellow car. Obtain extra cars by clearing all the driving lanes on the display.
 
 
 
* In addition, various levels of difficulty allow you to add even more excitement to the Car Wars action as your skills increase. Movement on the screen can be controlled by the Wired Remote Controllers or from the keyboard.
 
 
 
<gallery mode="packed">
 
File:1981 - Car Wars Cartridge.png|300px|1981 Car Wars cartridge (black cartridge with black label)
 
File:1983 - Car Wars Cartridge.png|300px|1983 Car Wars cartridge (beige cartridge with red label)
 
</gallery>
 
  
 
===Triton Catalog - Fall 1984===
 
===Triton Catalog - Fall 1984===
Here's high-speed racing with a vengeance! This 1-player game pits your speed, skill and strategy against the computer, as you race around the track out-maneuvering a canny opponent. Increase the level of difficulty for even more excitement. (Joysticks recommended.)
+
An exciting dice game that devilishly combines strategy with chance for hours of fun and frustration. Players build points by rolling certain number combinations.
  
 
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'''CAR WARS<sup>TM</sup>'''<br>
 
'''Cartridge Instructions'''<br>
 
'''TI-99/4A'''<br>
 
 
Programmer: James E. Dramis<br>
 
Book developed and written by: Staff members of the Texas Instruments<br>
 
Education and Communications Center.
 
 
Copyright &copy; 1981, Texas Instruments Incorporated<br>
 
Command Module program and data base contents copyright &copy; 1981, Texas Instruments, Inc.<br>
 
See important warranty information at back of book.
 
  
 
===Introduction===
 
===Introduction===
 +
You roll a two, a three, a four, and two fives. Do you try for your fives or go for a large straight? With the Yahtzee Solid State Software<sup>TM</sup> Command Module developed for Texas Instruments by the Milton Bradley Company, you determine your game strategy, while the computer rolls the dice and keeps score for you.
  
If you enjoy the excitement of high-speed racing, combined with the challenge of out-maneuvering a canny opponent, this is your kind of game! With Car Wars Solid State Software(TM) Command Module, you pit your speed and skill against the computer's as you try to get your car around the track without getting "crashed" off the field.  
+
The Yahtzee module, based on the popular game of chance, gives you options for one or two players and regular or Challenge Yahtzee. The computer randomizes each roll of the dice, and you indicate which dice, if any, you want to keep. After a maximum of three rolls, you enter your points on the scoreboard. The computer automatically figures your total score for you. After both players' scores are complete, the player with the highest score wins.
 
 
With the Car Wars Module, you try to:
 
 
 
*Score points by clearing as many dots as possible from the lanes.
 
 
 
*Avoid the computer's yellow car.
 
 
 
*Obtain extra cars by clearing all of the driving lanes on the display.
 
 
 
Movement on the screen can be controlled by the Wired Remote Controllers or from the keyboard.
 
 
 
[[File:Car Wars 1000px.gif|center]]
 
  
 
===Getting Started===
 
===Getting Started===
 +
After you select the module, the player selection display appears. Press '''1''' to play Yahtzee against the computer. If you are competing against a friend, press '''2''' for two players. Or, for information on the keys used to play the game, press '''AID''' before you select the number of players.
  
After you select the module, a demonstration of Car Wars begins. To stop the demonstration, simply press any key and the option selection list appears; or you can wait for the sample game to end and the selection list to appear automatically.
+
When you have reviewed the keys used to play the game, press any key to continue. The computer then returns to the player selection display. At this point, if you wait a few moments, a demonstration automatically appears, showing a game in progress. The computer rolls the dice, decides which ones to roll again, and after three rolls, enters the points on the scoreboard. To return to the player selection display, press any key and hold it down until the player selection display returns.
 
 
To set up your own game, you need to choose the speed of both cars and to select the point in the game when the computer's car will increase its speed.
 
 
 
Player/Computer Car Speed:
 
 
 
You can choose from three speed options which affect both your car and
 
the computer's.
 
 
 
*Creepin' - Cars move slowly.
 
 
 
*Fast - Cars move faster.
 
 
 
*Flyin' - Cars move fastest.
 
 
 
Press 1, 2, or 3 to select the speed of the cars.
 
 
 
Computer Car Speed up:
 
 
 
During the game, the computer's car automatically doubles its speed. After you select the starting speed of both cars, you choose the point in the game when the computer's car speeds up. You have three options:
 
 
 
*Late - The computer's car speeds up after you clear 150 dots from the playing field.
 
  
*Early - The computer's car speeds up after you clear 120 dots from the playing field.
+
Now you are ready to select the number of players. Type '''1''' or '''2'''.
  
*Look-out! - The computer's car speeds up after you clear 90 dots from the playing field.  
+
Next, the computer asks whether you want to play regular Yahtzee or Challenge Yahtzee. In a regular game, the computer randomizes the first roll of the dice for both players. In Challenge Yahtzee, both players start with the same first roll. Press '''1''' for regular Yahtzee or '''2''' for Challenge Yahtzee.
  
Press 1, 2, or 3 to select when you want the computer's car to speed up. Note that at any time during the game selection process, you can return to the first option selection group (Player/Computer Car Speed) by pressing BACK.  
+
===Playing Yahtzee===
 +
After you select the options, the scoreboard appears.
  
===Playing the Game===
+
[[File:Yahtzee Scoreboard Screen.jpg|400px|center|thumb|Yahtzee Scoreboard Screen]]
  
After you select the game options, the playing field appears, consisting of dots and solid lines representing car lanes.
 
  
A red car and a yellow car appear in their starting positions at the bottom of the display. You control the red car; the yellow car is controlled by the computer. Two additional player cars appear in the "pit" in the center of the display.
+
The cursor (a flashing square) appears beside the 1 above the first yellow column, indicating that Player 1 goes first. The scores for Player 1 are entered in either of the yellow columns, and the points for Player 2 are entered in either of the blue columns. The scoring categories are shown to the left of the scoring columns.
  
To the left of the playing field is a "traffic light" which signals the start of each game. The current score and the best score in the present series of games are displayed just above the traffic signal.
+
To start the game, press '''ENTER'''. (In a one-player game, you are Player 1 and the computer is Player 2.) The computer then rolls the five dice. Next, press the numbers shown on the dice you want to keep. For example, if you roll 2, 2, 4, 5, 1 and decide to keep the twos, press '''2''' twice. A red line appears under each die you choose. If you make a mistake or change your mind, press '''ERASE''' and the underlines are erased. You can then reselect the dice you want to keep. After you have underlined the dice correctly, press '''ENTER''' to roll the other dice again. Each time you roll, you must reselect the dice you want to keep, or the computer rolls all five dice again.
  
You can stop a game at any time and return to the option selection display by pressing BACK. To start a game over with the same options, press REDO.
+
The roll number is displayed on the left side of the screen under the scoreboard, and you may roll the dice up to three times. After the third roll, you must enter your points. However, you can enter points after your first or second roll, if you prefer. ''Note:'' After each turn, you must enter a score. If you cannot enter points in any of the categories, enter a zero in any category you choose.
  
===Object of The Game===
+
To enter your score, press the arrow keys, ↑, ←, →, and ↓. For a score in column one, press ↓ until you reach the category you want. To enter points in the second column, press ↓ until you reach the correct category, or press → to move the cursor to the second column and then press ↓ to move down.
  
The object of the game is to clear the dots from the playing field by successfully maneuvering your car through the maze of lanes, without being "crashed" by the yellow computer car. You get three chances to clear the field. The number of cars in the pit show how many chances you have left at any point in the game.
+
As you move the cursor on the scoreboard, the computer shows you how many points you would receive in each available category (see "Scoring"). You can then decide where to enter your roll. If you reach the end of the second column and want to enter your score elsewhere, simply press ↑ or the other arrow keys as necessary to move the cursor. When the cursor is positioned correctly, press '''ENTER''' to enter your score. The computer then automatically totals your points for you. Remember, once you enter your score in a certain category, you cannot
 +
change it.
  
To start the game, press any key. The game begins when the traffic light at the left-hand side of the display turns green to signal "Go!" Then the two cars begin moving in opposite directions around the outside driving lane.
+
After Player 1's score is entered, it's Player 2's turn. In a one-player game, the computer automatically rolls next. With two players, Player 2 presses '''ENTER''' and then proceeds as Player 1 did. Continue taking turns until the entire scoreboard is completed (13 turns each).
  
To maneuver your car around the field to avoid the computer's car, press the arrow keys, [UP ARROW] (E), [LEFT ARROW] (S), [RIGHT ARROW] (D), and [DOWN ARROW] (X). To move your car two lanes over, instead of one, simply hold the key down for a moment (this capability provides a strategic player-advantage because the computer's car can move only one lane at a time).
+
As you play a game, you may want to start over. Press '''BEGIN''' to return to the player selection display.
  
As the game begins, the two cars are traveling at the same speed. The yellow car automatically doubles its speed sometime during the game, depending on the "speed up" level you selected (See "Getting Started"). To accelerate your car, press "Y" (Note that you can also accelerate by pressing ENTER on the TI-99/4 console or the period key on the TI-99/4A console).
+
====Scoring====
 +
Points are scored in Yahtzee based on the roll of the dice. In the first column of the scoreboard, you receive the sum of all dice with the same value. For example, if you roll 1, 2, 3, 2, 2, you can score 1 point for ones, 6 points for twos, or 3 points for threes. As you move the cursor, each possible score appears in the appropriate category. To enter your points where you want them, position the cursor correctly, and then press '''ENTER'''.
  
If you are using the Wired Remote Controllers, move the lever to direct your car, and press the FIRE button to accelerate.
+
If your points in the first column total 63 or more, you automatically receive a bonus of 35 points. To score 63 points, you need to roll at least three of each die value. However, if you score more than three dice of one value, you could score fewer than three of a lower value and still get the bonus.
  
===Scoring===
+
The second column of the scoreboard is scored as follows.
  
As you move your car around the field, your object is to clear as many lanes of dots as you can before the computer's car can crash into yours. For each dot cleared in the first round, you receive 10 points. If you successfully clear all the dots without being "crashed", a BONUS message flashes on the display, and bonus points are added to your score. The number of bonus points awarded depends on the type of game you set up, as shown on the chart below.
 
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
! SELECTION / POINTS !! CREEPIN' !! FAST !! FLYIN'
+
! ''Category'' !! ''Score'' !! ''Sample Roll''
 
|-
 
|-
| LATE || 200 || 400 || 600
+
| Three of a Kind || Sum of all five dice || 3,3,3,1,5 (15 points)
 
|-
 
|-
| EARLY || 400 || 600 || 800
+
| Four of a Kind || Sum of all five dice || 6,6,6,6,2 (26 points)
 
|-
 
|-
| LOOK-OUT || 600 || 800 || 1000
+
| Full House (three of a kind and a pair) || 25 || 5,5,5,2,2
 +
|-
 +
| Small Straight (four dice in sequence) || 30 || 2,3,4,5,3
 +
|-
 +
| Large Straight (five dice in sequence} || 40 || 1,2,3,4,5
 +
|-
 +
| Yahtzee (five of a kind) || 50 || 4,4,4,4,4
 +
|-
 +
| Chance (any roll of the dice) || Sum of all five dice || 6,3,5,3,1 (18 points)
 
|}
 
|}
  
Thus, you could receive from 200 bonus points, for a game where you've chosen a car speed of "creepin'" and a computer-car speed-up point of "late", to as much as 1,000 points, if you select a car speed of "flyin'" and a speed-up point of "look-out!" When the bonus scoring is completed, an extra player car is added to the pit (you may receive up to four additional cars).
+
Your first column total is added to your points in the second column to calculate your grand total for each game.
  
To begin the second round, press any key. The yellow computer car appears in a new starting position. Scoring, bonus points, and additional cars are awarded exactly as in the first round.
+
Occasionally, you may roll more than one Yahtzee in a game. If so, and if you already have 50 points in the Yahtzee category, the computer automatically adds 100 points to your "Yahtzee" total. Then, if you have not already done so, you must also enter the total of the five die in the category corresponding to the die value in the first column. If you have already entered points in that category. you can enter points as Three of a Kind, Four of a Kind, Full House. Small Straight, Large Straight, or Chance in the second column.
  
If you again succeed in clearing all the dots from the field without being crashed, the third round begins with two computer cars simultaneously attempting to crash your car off the field.
+
====Scoring Strategy====
  
At the two-computer car level, each dot is worth 20 points; and when a bonus is received, double bonus points are awarded.
+
As you play Yahtzee, you'll realize that you don't always roll what you need, even with three tries. When this happens, you must still enter a score. However, some scoring strategy may help you win the game.
  
Should you successfully complete two rounds at this two-computer-car level by clearing all the dots, you can then move on to the three-car level, playing three computer cars simultaneously. At the three-computer-car level, each dot is worth 30 points, and triple bonus points are awarded. The game continues in this way with an additional computer car appearing and more points being awarded after every two rounds.
+
On the scoreboard one category is labeled "Chance." If, after the third roll, you don't have a combination you want to enter in a specific category, simply move the cursor to "Chance" and press '''ENTER'''. As an alternative, if you roll one or two ones, you could count that as your score for ones, saving the larger values to try to score enough points for the 35-point bonus.
 +
 
 +
Even with "Chance" and "Ones," you might still receive another roll which you cannot use. If so, you must enter a zero in one of the scoring categories. Some common places for entering a zero are "Yahtzee" and "Four of a Kind." Once a zero is entered, however, it cannot be changed.
 +
 
 +
Many rolls of the dice can be entered in more than one category. Both a "Four of a Kind" and a "Full House" roll can be scored as "Three of a Kind" or as the die value in the first column. Also a "Large Straight" can be counted as a "Small Straight" instead. The more you play Yahtzee, the more your scoring strategy should improve.
  
 
===End of the Game===
 
===End of the Game===
 +
When the scoreboard is completed (after 13 rounds), the game is over. The computer flashes a red box around the winning score and plays a victory tune.
  
The game is over when the computer car crashes all the player cars off the field. The computer flashes your highest score for this session with the module on the display.
+
You are then asked if you want to replay the game. Press '''REDO''' to play again with the same options. To choose new options, press '''BACK''' and the player selection display appears.
  
To play another game with the same options, press REDO. To change the options for the next game, press BACK and the option selection display appears. When you finish playing Car Wars, press QUIT to return to the master title screen.
+
When you have finished playing Yahtzee, press '''QUIT''' to return to the master title screen.
  
 
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==Downloads==
 
==Downloads==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
1981 - Car Wars Cartridge.png|1981 Car Wars Cartridge (Black Label on Black Cartridge)
+
Yahtzee Manual Box (front).jpg|Yahtzee Retail Packaging (Front)
1983 - Car Wars Cartridge.png|1983 Car Wars Cartridge (Red Label on Beige Cartridge)
+
Yahtzee Manual Box (back).jpg|Yahtzee Retail Packaging (Back)
1981 - Car Wars Manual.jpg|1981 Car Wars Manual Front Cover (Old-Style)
+
Yahtzee Manual Cover (New).jpg|Yahtzee Manual Cover (Modern-Style)
Car Wars Manual.jpg|1982 Car Wars Manual Front Cover (Modern-Style)
+
Yahtzee Scoreboard Screen.jpg|Yahtzee Scoreboard Screenshot
Car Wars 1000px.gif|Car Wars Animated gif
+
Yahtzee Theme Song.mp3|Yahtzee Theme Song
Car Wars Manual.jpg|Car Wars Manual Complete (pdf format)|link=https://4apedia.com/manuals/Car%20Wars%20Manual.pdf
+
Yahtzee - You Rolled a Yahtzee.mp3|You Rolled a Yahtzee Sound
1983 - Car Wars Cartridge.png|Car Wars MAME/MESS Rom (rpk format)|link=https://4apedia.com/roms/Car%20Wars.rpk
+
Yahtzee - End of Game.mp3|Yahtzee End of Game Sound
 +
Yahtzee Manual Cover (New).jpg|Yahtzee Manual Complete (pdf format)|link=https://4apedia.com/manuals/Yahtzee%20Manual.pdf
 +
1983 - Car Wars Cartridge.png|Yahtzee MAME/MESS Rom (rpk format)|link=https://4apedia.com/roms/Yahtzee.rpk
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
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==External links==
 
==External links==
* [http://www.elisoftware.org/index.php/Car_Wars_(TI99%5C4A,_Cartridge)_Texas_Instruments_-_1981_USA,_Canada_Release Eli's Software Encyclopedia: Car Wars]
+
* [http://www.pixelatedarcade.com/games/yahtzee--2 Pixelated Arcade: Yahtzee for TI-99/4A]
* [https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ti99/948154-car-wars Game FAQs: Car Wars]
+
* [http://www.rfgeneration.com/cgi-bin/getinfo.pl?ID=U-015-S-01641-B& RF Generation: TI-99/4A Yahtzee]
* [http://www.mobygames.com/game/car-wars Moby Games: Car Wars]
+
* [http://www.ti99ers.org/timeline/cartbytitle.html#Y TI-99ers On-line User Group: TI-99 Cartridge Listing]
* [http://www.pixelatedarcade.com/games/car-wars Pixelated Arcade: Car Wars]
+
* [https://ti994.com/1979/cartridges/ TI-99/4 Home Computer 1979 Cartridges]
* [http://www.ti99ers.org/timeline/cartbytitle.html TI-99ers On-line User Group: TI-99 Cartridge Listing]
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* [https://www.videogamehouse.net/yahtzeegv.html TI-99/4A Video Game House: Yahtzee]
* [http://www.videogamehouse.net/carwars.html TI-99/4A Video Game House: Car Wars]
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070412064248/http://my.stratos.net/~hewston95/RTM10/RTM10.html#TI994_Arcade Web Archive: Retrogaming Times Monthly, March 2005, Issue #10]
 
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car_Wars_(video_game) WikiPedia: Car Wars]
 
  
[[Category:1981 Software]]
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[[Category:1979 Software]]
[[Category:Maze]]
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[[Category:Chance]]
[[Category:Racing]]
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[[Category:Milton Bradley]]
 
[[Category:Solid State Software Command Module]]
 
[[Category:Solid State Software Command Module]]
 
[[Category:Software]]
 
[[Category:Software]]
[[Category:Texas Instruments]]
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[[Category:Strategy]]

Latest revision as of 00:41, 18 October 2022

Yahtzee is a video game version of the popular strategy dice game of the same name, created by Milton Bradley for the TI-99/4 and TI-99/4A home computer systems. It was part of Milton Bradley's Gamevision series that was scheduled to release at the same time Texas Instruments released the TI-99/4. The Gamevision version of the game was released during the 3rd quarter of 1979 under part number MB 4967 and retailing for $24.95 (USD). Texas Instruments later re-released Yahtzee on its own during the 2nd quarter of 1980 with the part number PHM 3039, retailing at $29.95 (USD). Yahtzee was programmed by Elaine Henshon, and was released on Solid State SoftwareTM Command Module cartridge.

Yahtzee
Yahtzee Manual Cover
Yahtzee Manual (Front Cover) [1] [2]
Publisher(s) Milton Bradley
Original Retail Price $24.95 (USD)
Programmer(s) Elaine Henshon
Part# MB 4967 & PHM 3039
Format(s) Solid State SoftwareTM Command Module
Release 1979 (3rd Quarter)
Genre(s) Chance, Strategy

Gameplay

Yahtzee for the TI-99 home computer system shares similarities with the regular dice-based game of Yahtzee with some unique differences. When the game begins, the option is presented to play either a one or two-player game. In one-player mode, the player plays against the computer. Two-player mode allows for two people to play against each other. A unique option that the TI-99 version offers at the beginning of either one or two-player modes is to play regular mode, where each player rolls their first roll as normal, or challenge mode, where each player starts off with the same 5 dice on the first roll. After each roll of the dice, the player selects which dice to keep, and rolls the remaining dice. Each player or the computer player takes up to three rolls of the dice and selects which space on the scorecard to place the points. At the end of each game, the player or computer player with the highest point total wins.

Advertising Blurbs

Front Cover of Manual

Lets you play this popular game of chance while the computer rolls the dice and keeps score for you. You concentrate on strategy!

Back Cover of Manual

You roll a two, a three, a four, and two fives. Do you try for your fives or go for a large straight? With the Yahtzee Command Module, the computer randomizes each roll fo the dice, and you indicate which dice, if any, you want to keep. After a maximum of three rolls, you enter your points on the scoreboard.

Yahtzee module features let you

  • Play against a friend or the computer.
  • Choose either regular or Challenge Yahtzee.
  • Determine game strategy, while the computer rolls the dice and keeps score for you.

Triton Catalog - Fall 1984

An exciting dice game that devilishly combines strategy with chance for hours of fun and frustration. Players build points by rolling certain number combinations.

Manual

Introduction

You roll a two, a three, a four, and two fives. Do you try for your fives or go for a large straight? With the Yahtzee Solid State SoftwareTM Command Module developed for Texas Instruments by the Milton Bradley Company, you determine your game strategy, while the computer rolls the dice and keeps score for you.

The Yahtzee module, based on the popular game of chance, gives you options for one or two players and regular or Challenge Yahtzee. The computer randomizes each roll of the dice, and you indicate which dice, if any, you want to keep. After a maximum of three rolls, you enter your points on the scoreboard. The computer automatically figures your total score for you. After both players' scores are complete, the player with the highest score wins.

Getting Started

After you select the module, the player selection display appears. Press 1 to play Yahtzee against the computer. If you are competing against a friend, press 2 for two players. Or, for information on the keys used to play the game, press AID before you select the number of players.

When you have reviewed the keys used to play the game, press any key to continue. The computer then returns to the player selection display. At this point, if you wait a few moments, a demonstration automatically appears, showing a game in progress. The computer rolls the dice, decides which ones to roll again, and after three rolls, enters the points on the scoreboard. To return to the player selection display, press any key and hold it down until the player selection display returns.

Now you are ready to select the number of players. Type 1 or 2.

Next, the computer asks whether you want to play regular Yahtzee or Challenge Yahtzee. In a regular game, the computer randomizes the first roll of the dice for both players. In Challenge Yahtzee, both players start with the same first roll. Press 1 for regular Yahtzee or 2 for Challenge Yahtzee.

Playing Yahtzee

After you select the options, the scoreboard appears.

Yahtzee Scoreboard Screen


The cursor (a flashing square) appears beside the 1 above the first yellow column, indicating that Player 1 goes first. The scores for Player 1 are entered in either of the yellow columns, and the points for Player 2 are entered in either of the blue columns. The scoring categories are shown to the left of the scoring columns.

To start the game, press ENTER. (In a one-player game, you are Player 1 and the computer is Player 2.) The computer then rolls the five dice. Next, press the numbers shown on the dice you want to keep. For example, if you roll 2, 2, 4, 5, 1 and decide to keep the twos, press 2 twice. A red line appears under each die you choose. If you make a mistake or change your mind, press ERASE and the underlines are erased. You can then reselect the dice you want to keep. After you have underlined the dice correctly, press ENTER to roll the other dice again. Each time you roll, you must reselect the dice you want to keep, or the computer rolls all five dice again.

The roll number is displayed on the left side of the screen under the scoreboard, and you may roll the dice up to three times. After the third roll, you must enter your points. However, you can enter points after your first or second roll, if you prefer. Note: After each turn, you must enter a score. If you cannot enter points in any of the categories, enter a zero in any category you choose.

To enter your score, press the arrow keys, ↑, ←, →, and ↓. For a score in column one, press ↓ until you reach the category you want. To enter points in the second column, press ↓ until you reach the correct category, or press → to move the cursor to the second column and then press ↓ to move down.

As you move the cursor on the scoreboard, the computer shows you how many points you would receive in each available category (see "Scoring"). You can then decide where to enter your roll. If you reach the end of the second column and want to enter your score elsewhere, simply press ↑ or the other arrow keys as necessary to move the cursor. When the cursor is positioned correctly, press ENTER to enter your score. The computer then automatically totals your points for you. Remember, once you enter your score in a certain category, you cannot change it.

After Player 1's score is entered, it's Player 2's turn. In a one-player game, the computer automatically rolls next. With two players, Player 2 presses ENTER and then proceeds as Player 1 did. Continue taking turns until the entire scoreboard is completed (13 turns each).

As you play a game, you may want to start over. Press BEGIN to return to the player selection display.

Scoring

Points are scored in Yahtzee based on the roll of the dice. In the first column of the scoreboard, you receive the sum of all dice with the same value. For example, if you roll 1, 2, 3, 2, 2, you can score 1 point for ones, 6 points for twos, or 3 points for threes. As you move the cursor, each possible score appears in the appropriate category. To enter your points where you want them, position the cursor correctly, and then press ENTER.

If your points in the first column total 63 or more, you automatically receive a bonus of 35 points. To score 63 points, you need to roll at least three of each die value. However, if you score more than three dice of one value, you could score fewer than three of a lower value and still get the bonus.

The second column of the scoreboard is scored as follows.

Category Score Sample Roll
Three of a Kind Sum of all five dice 3,3,3,1,5 (15 points)
Four of a Kind Sum of all five dice 6,6,6,6,2 (26 points)
Full House (three of a kind and a pair) 25 5,5,5,2,2
Small Straight (four dice in sequence) 30 2,3,4,5,3
Large Straight (five dice in sequence} 40 1,2,3,4,5
Yahtzee (five of a kind) 50 4,4,4,4,4
Chance (any roll of the dice) Sum of all five dice 6,3,5,3,1 (18 points)

Your first column total is added to your points in the second column to calculate your grand total for each game.

Occasionally, you may roll more than one Yahtzee in a game. If so, and if you already have 50 points in the Yahtzee category, the computer automatically adds 100 points to your "Yahtzee" total. Then, if you have not already done so, you must also enter the total of the five die in the category corresponding to the die value in the first column. If you have already entered points in that category. you can enter points as Three of a Kind, Four of a Kind, Full House. Small Straight, Large Straight, or Chance in the second column.

Scoring Strategy

As you play Yahtzee, you'll realize that you don't always roll what you need, even with three tries. When this happens, you must still enter a score. However, some scoring strategy may help you win the game.

On the scoreboard one category is labeled "Chance." If, after the third roll, you don't have a combination you want to enter in a specific category, simply move the cursor to "Chance" and press ENTER. As an alternative, if you roll one or two ones, you could count that as your score for ones, saving the larger values to try to score enough points for the 35-point bonus.

Even with "Chance" and "Ones," you might still receive another roll which you cannot use. If so, you must enter a zero in one of the scoring categories. Some common places for entering a zero are "Yahtzee" and "Four of a Kind." Once a zero is entered, however, it cannot be changed.

Many rolls of the dice can be entered in more than one category. Both a "Four of a Kind" and a "Full House" roll can be scored as "Three of a Kind" or as the die value in the first column. Also a "Large Straight" can be counted as a "Small Straight" instead. The more you play Yahtzee, the more your scoring strategy should improve.

End of the Game

When the scoreboard is completed (after 13 rounds), the game is over. The computer flashes a red box around the winning score and plays a victory tune.

You are then asked if you want to replay the game. Press REDO to play again with the same options. To choose new options, press BACK and the player selection display appears.

When you have finished playing Yahtzee, press QUIT to return to the master title screen.

Downloads

References

External links