Genre: Puzzle / Board Game
Developer: Philips
Publisher: Philips
Year: 1982
Platform: Philips Videopac
“4 in 1 Row” is a digital adaptation of the classic Connect Four board game for the Philips Videopac G7000 console. The game enables two players to take turns dropping colored discs into an eight-column, six-row vertical grid. The objective is to be the first to get four of one’s discs in a row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.
A distinctive feature of the game is a strategic indicator beside each player’s name, displaying in real-time the chances of that player forming a four-disc row. Higher indicator numbers signal an imminent winning move, allowing players to strategize accordingly. This indicator can be toggled off for a purer challenge.
The game offers options for playing against the computer with two types of AI opponents: Microcat and Microdog, each available in three skill levels. These AI opponents utilize a micro-sensor system that calculates the best move by cycling over columns before selecting a drop location. Microdog additionally provides a hint feature where the computer can take control temporarily to assist the player.
