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Kobayashi Maru. A variant set of rules for playing chess using the 3 dimensionsal set featured on the TV series Star Trek. (7x(), Cells: 64) [All Comments] [Add Comment or Rating]
Tony Quintanilla wrote on Sat, Nov 15, 2003 08:52 PM UTC:Excellent ★★★★★
The 3-D aspect is a bit mind-bending. Actually, I have found some games that require very complex geometric calculations unappealing because its more calculation than play, leaving little room for intuition. But, I think K-M is well balanced. Yes, there is a complex geometry. But, the board design helps. And once the basics are learned, its not all that un-intuitive. <p>Also, what counter-balances the complexity is the fact that it is productive by providing new tactical and strategic avenues that are comprehensible. Some games have complex features, but they may be marginal, just something to watch-out for. In others, the odd geometry may be central but so unintuitive that its hard to ever trully envision a strategy, leading to short-range, clumsy tactics due to lack of vision. <p>Another thing I like is that none of the board space is wasted, particularly since the attack boards are very active. The simile between the game and Star Trek is good. I like the fact that the playing boards are not connected except through the attack boards. This is like local space being connected only through star fleets capable of moving by warp.

Anonymous wrote on Wed, Aug 8, 2007 01:14 AM UTC:
I must say that I am grateful to see a version of Star Trek chess that better emulates the show. I need to get a tri-dimensional chess set so I can try it out. All the rules are so logically simple, yet still extend chess into the third dimension in an elegant fashion. This game looks better than the official version to me. It makes good use of the attack boards, while the other horribly limits them, IMO. I'm sure it deserves an excellent, but I'll wait until I've actually played it. LLS again invents a brilliant game!

Bill wrote on Sun, Jul 26, 2009 05:15 PM UTC:Excellent ★★★★★
, but the rules make my head hurt. so complicated!

Niven42 wrote on Mon, Jan 11, 2010 08:43 AM UTC:Good ★★★★
One thing I've noticed about Star Trek Chess is that it is a very physical as well as mental game. Because it is difficult to visualize all of the levels and angles involved, at times, opponents will get out of their chairs and line-up pieces by eye to get a better idea of the movements! This gives the game an entertaining aspect that is somewhere between Chess and Billiards! No matter what rules you use, I strongly recommend playing a Trek game at least once. It's not for everyone, granted, but some people will find it a lot more fun than simple Chess.

spasskyfan wrote on Tue, Apr 5, 2011 07:22 PM UTC:Poor ★
A worthy effort. But does anyone really *understand*, or play by these rules?! (Or are they just unintelligible/unplayable to me!?) Thx.

💡📝Larry Smith wrote on Thu, Apr 7, 2011 03:52 PM UTC:
There is a Zillions implementation of this game, for those who have the engine. This can demonstrate the game's playability.

If you find this variant difficult to comprehend, you might want to avoid the Curved Space variant. That one will make ya go 'sparrow'. As of this time, it has avoided coding for the Zillions engine. It has a large number of variables, and I've yet to figure how to get the platform to handle them.

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