Connect Four
Milton Bradley released this electronic handheld version of their classic vertical four-in-a-row game where you compete against the computer.
The object of the game is to get four of your discs in a row (either vertically, horizontally or diagonally) before the computer does. There are two different game modes available:
Game 1 - Classic Connect Four
This game mode is identical to the original game. Choose a column where you want to drop your disc. The disc will land on the last unoccupied slot in that column. Play alternates between you and the computer. The first player to get four discs in a row wins. If the grid gets filled before either player gets four in a row, the game ends in a tie.
Game 2 - Vanishing Connect Four
In this more challenging version of the classic game the play field is hidden a short time after each disc is played. You will have to remember where each disc was placed before making your move. The amount of time available to see the play field before it is hidden depends of the skill level selected, with the discs being hidden more quickly the higher the skill level.
Each game mode can be played at 3 different skill levels. Skill level 1 is the easiest with the computer making random moves. Skill level 3 is the hardest, with the computer thinking strategically before making its moves.
The computer will keep track of the number of games won or tied at the same skill level. To play a new game at the same skill level, at the end of a round, hold down the NEW GAME button until you hear a beep. A new game at the same skill level will start. Interrupting a game to start a new game is recorded as a loss.
If you want to play a game in a different mode or at a different skill level, hold down the NEW GAME button until you hear two beeps. You will be prompted to select the game mode and skill level for the new game. The previous record of wins and ties will be cleared.
If you press the HINT button during a game the computer will provide you with a suggestion for your next move. This feature however is only available to beginners playing Game 1 at Skill Level 1.
