Interactive game information

Last Updated March 15, 1998

Internet Servers; play games with real people

Some of the servers are glorified telnet connections, developed and run by volunteers. It's possible to play by simply connecting to a site with telnet, but usually a smart client program is run at the local end, which puts a graphical interface on the dumb ascii supplied by the server.

Other servers are fully fledged network servers, using special protocols embedded in TCP/IP. You must have the appropriate client software to connect to these servers.

A third, and so far mostly theoretical, type of service will run using a java application downloaded directly to your browser. There are examples of this type of server "out there", but none are very robust.

Special Purpose Servers

 

These are servers devoted to a single game, frequently using less than state of the art interfaces. They are typically a little harder to set up and use, but since they're older and dedicated to a single game, they typically are inhabited by lots of serious players.

 

GO, the king of games.

Play go against other people, any time of the day or night. The most established server is the Internet Go Sever (IGS), found at igs.nuri.net ( telnet igs.nuri.net 6969 to play) Also up-and-coming is the No Name Go server (telnet nngs.cosmic.org:9696 to play). The disadvantage of these servers is that getting set up (gathering software and so on) can be a trial. The AGA has a howto page.

You can also play Go, at many of the general game sites listed below.

Chess

 

A server, of the same flavor as IGS, but for chess: telnet chess.lm.com 5000. This is just one of a bunch of related resources. Read the up to date guide at the Internet Chess Library.

 

Backgammon

Play backgammon against other people, at First Internet Backgammon Server. For general information about the server, see Mike's ww guide to the FIBS. For information about client software, see "I hate this scrolling display" on mike's page.

 

Multiple Board and Card Games

General Gaming Sites

Midigames.com

This is a new site (still in it's "free beta" period as of 2/98) devoted to board and card games, including my personal holy grail, Lines of Action. Their proposed fee structure when they do start charging is $5/Month, but it's still free for now. Midigames has some unusual features, including the ability to store and review games. PC only.

 

Mplayer

This is apparently *the* site for network-enhanced versions of commercial games, ranging from "twitch" computer games to traditional board games. Win95 only software. Basic service is free.

 

Outland

Several traditional board games, and several original games. Requires credit card to register, but is now free - (They say you won't be billed, comfirmed by email to the management). You must download their software (free) before playing. Outland is a Macintosh-only scheme, a remnant of the very earliest age of internet gaming sites. In poor repair, buit still a viable site for Macs, especially for Macs which don't run Java well.

 

Total Entertainment Network

Similar to Mplayer. Win95 only. Some games are free. For "premium" games, various plans including a $19.95/mo flat rate. TEN seems mostly interested in multiplayer combat type games.

Traditional board and card games, and lots of commercial "moster truck rally" type games. Basic service is free, except for the obnoxious commercials. Now owned by Microsoft, and seving as a showcase of MS Explorer and Active-X. Read: you can't play any other way than with MS Explorer on Win95.

Yahoo Games

(Yahoo apprently acquired Classic.) Java-Based games, mostly traditional board and card games. Free, and no separate downloading required.

For the "long form"

comments/suggestions to: ddyer@real-me.net

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