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Cyrus

DOS - 1985
Also available on: Dragon 32/64 - TRS-80 CoCo - ZX Spectrum

One of the world's first chess games designed for experts, Cyrus is also unfortunately one of the least known due to limited distribution. Which is a shame, because the game not only sports one of the best chess engines of its time, but also is one of the most playable.

The game can be played from a novel isometric 3D perspective, and you can rotate the board in any direction. Traditional 2D overhead view is also available, although it looks very primitive compared to the isometric mode. You can turn the clock on or off, view analysis mode, examine game, or watch the computer play itself.

The game has 16 (!) difficulty levels, although it takes such an excruciatingly long time to move in levels above 5 that you might as well stick with the lower levels, which already present enough challenge for an average chess player.

Overall, Cyrus is an excellent chess program from a specialized chess software company (now defunct) that deserves a second chance. Highly recommended!

Review By HOTUD

Comments and reviews

Bon Johnny jon 23 Jun. 2026

Yes this is very good, we can absorb every step like a bed of roses and of course we hope that the forest will be fertile again. So there is no golf course in the head, yes of course. Thank you

0
? 29 Jun. 2021

Even after all these years, my question is still not answered. WHY is Cyrus chess?

0
Ed win ed lose 22 Mar. 2015

spectrum majic

-1
Gus_nn 26 Nov. 2011

The VERY FIRST CHESS PROGRAM - IT ALWAYS WON - DUE TO GAMBIT!

0
Blinddarm 02 Apr. 2010

Interesting Feature:

This Game will run also on MDA/ Hercules Graphic Cards.
Check it out with Dosbox by configure the Config File
to "Machine=Hercules"
You will have some nice ASCII GRaphics ;-)

3

No comment nor review for this game at the moment.

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Downloads

DOS version
Game file
United Kingdom English
102 KB
ZX Spectrum version
Game file
United Kingdom English
84 KB
Game file
United Kingdom English
60 KB
Dragon 32/64 version
Game file
United Kingdom English
7 KB
TRS-80 CoCo version
Game file
United Kingdom English
14 KB
Game file
United Kingdom English
14 KB
Game file
United Kingdom English
56 KB

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