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UPDATE...

ATARI works hard to come up with new cartridges for use on their Video Computer System, but another company is equally devoted to manufacturing and distributing quality games for your enjoyment. That company is ACTIVISION. Located not far from the ATARI plant, in Sunnyvale, they have thus far produced 8 cartridges with several more due this year.

Titles released are Boxing, Bridge, Checkers, Dragster, Fishing Derby, Laser Blast, Skiing, and Tennis. Due on the market soon are "Ka-Boom!" and "Freeway" two "comedy" games that are hilarious as well as fun and challenging. How good are these games? Let's take a took at Bridge.

For the Bridge buff who is always looking for a fourth for a game of- bridge, and can't find one. or doesn't enjoy the mechanical "Auto Bridger", Activision's ATARI interfaced bridge cartridge offers a real answer. It also proves to be an excellent teaching aid because a hand can be played over and over at various bids and suits. The programming follows the accepted methods of ''point count" in terms of the response that the computer will make to the opening bid. However there is probably not enough info in the memory to allow bidding to be flashed by East and West which would not only offer a decided realism to the game, but would also allow one to "play" his hand more intelligently.

The computer understands and respond Stayman and Blackwood conventions but ignores any artificial bids. As mentioned, although for the most part it will respond intelligently to your bid and the cards, and distribution it holds it will at times throw you a curve. I have had it rebid at the three, a four card suit, at times making bids which although in keeping with count were not in keeping with distribution. Level of play is predicated on a total point count between "bidder" and partner and can be preselected. One discovers very easily in game, that the secret to successfully making your bid is as in real play, the proper bids and play. There are four other levels in which one "enters" a bid passed only on his hand and attempts to make it without help in partners response. I found this of no personal value.

One can also "peek" at his partner's hand before bidding is begun and can also see East & West's cards at the end of the hand. Misplay of cards (not following a bid suit) are answered with a rasperry (buzz!). The play of the cards is made with ease using the joystick. And the graphics/colors are as up to par as the rest of the game. All in all, one of the better adult games to pique one's interest.