Alligata
£11.95

There are two ways of reviewing chess programs. The hardened player will settle for nothing less than a head on comparative test, with a line of Speccies overheating as they play each other.

That's one method. But the YS solution is to sit good old Gwyn down in front of the computer and see if he can last more than ten moves. This doesn't result in the definitive statement of strengths and weaknesses... but it does provide a subjective summing up from a mere chess mortal.

After last month's brace of board busters, Cyrus II looks rather plain. No natty 3D graphics here - just a standard plan. But is that a serious omission? Possibly not, because the squares fill the screen and the cursor movement system is simple to use. What is less satisfying is the bilious yellow and green colour scheme, which means that white pieces all but vanish on the primrose squares.

Variables can be changed via a second screen, which also contains a record of moves. Alterations are easy to make, using menus and single key commands. There's no problem changing levels, sides, turning the board through 180 degrees, taking back moves or requesting help. If you want you can also play both sides, or play a human opponent, or your Speccy can even play with itself. Setting up positions and problem solving, with mate in anything up to five moves, are also catered for.

As I said, I can't really comment on the grand master shattering potential of Cyrus, but for many people the fact that it plays a good game will be enough. It's also fun to take on... providing you can cope with its lemon and lime playing area. Yuk!

CHESS FANATICS HAVE NEVER HAD IT SO GOOD AS ANOTHER STRONG CONTENDER FOR THE SPECTRUM GRANDMASTER CROWN ENTERS THE ARENA.

Alligata
£11.95

Cyrus II arrives on the Spectrum with a good reputation from its performance on other micros and with the recent release of Psi Chess and Colossus 4 Chess, Spectrum owners are being spoilt for choice.

There will obviously be a lot of debate on which is the strongest program available and Alligata have thrown down the gauntlet with a statement from their managing director included on the inlay which says, "I am confident this game will beat all existing Sinclair Spectrum chess programs published."

No doubt the makers of Colossus 4 Chess will dispute this. Making a comparative assessment of the two programs with any degree of accuracy by playing them off against each other requires an awful lot of time - too much to fall within the parameters of this review. I'm sure both software houses will be letting us know the results soon enough.

Leaving aside the issue of which program can beat the rest, it has to be said the Cyrus II is a very strong player and there are all the features included which single it out as an excellent opponent.

There are no 3-D graphics (the Mark 2 version for the 128 will have them) but the screen display is very bright and clear. There are nine standard levels of play with thinking time ranging from two seconds to three and a half minutes. In addition there is an adaptable mode (Cyrus adapts to your response time), infinite mode (Cyrus will wait until you decide he can move) and a problem mode (Cyrus will search for a checkmate in five moves or less).

Other features include replaying the game, taking back moves, playing both sides, changing sides, hints from Cyrus and demonstration games. There is also a simple print-out facility, if you want to record game situations for posterity.

One big advantage with Cyrus II is that accessing different modes is very simple with most commands being made with a single key entry.

Making the moves is also very straight forward by use of cursor keys (there is no joystick option). Simply move the cursor key to your chosen piece, hit enter, then move a second flashing cursor to your chosen square. Hit enter again and the move is made.

This program is a very welcome addition to the Spectrum chess scene and is recommended highly, the drawback however is the price. At £11.95 it's two quid more expensive than both Psi Chess and Colossus 4 and one wonders why it couldn't have been released at just under a tenner, like its rivals.

Cyrus II is a superb program and still worthy of a Monster Hit at the price but in a sector of the market which is now fiercely competitive it may have spoilt its chances with those who are after just one chess game.