Ishido 
MANUFACTURER: Atari PLAYERS: 2 STEREO: No RATING: 8 (6.7)
TYPE: Strategy COMLYNX: No BLINK: Yes

WHAT:Heavy thinking game,requiring placing of colored stones for points.

HOW :The game board is a 12x8 grid.Game pieces have two distinct charac-
teristics: color and shape. Pieces must be laid down in such a way that
either of these two traits is shared with the piece you place next to.
Certain combinations result in points, with highest points being awarded
for difficult three-way formations of both color and shape. The outside rim
of the board is a "no score" area, and is used to set up potential scoring
formations on the inside. Rules are easy to learn but very diff- icult to
master. The Lynx can show you potential placements, as well as stones yet
to placed at the cost of your chance for a high score. Completing certain
formations results in tidbits of wisdom from the "Oracle" (basically an
electronic fortune cookie).

SOAPBOX: The key to this game is whether you enjoy the type. It is an
excellent IMPLEMENTATION, with distinctive graphics and good sound, what
there is of it. But keep in mind this is a simple colored stones game with
very few gee-whiz features about it. Unfortunately the buxom lady on the
cover is nowhere to be found in the game. Those who appreciate games such
as Go or Shanghai will like this as well. If you do like this style, you
will get hours of fun out of this one. There seems to be a bug in the
Oracle: he only gives you ONE fortune per play session.